Smedley Butler - Recipient - Military Times Hall Of Valor

On July 30, 1881, Smedley Butler, American Marine general, was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania (d. 1940). From the article:
Darlington Butler
DATE OF BIRTH: July 30, 1881
PLACE OF BIRTH:
West Chester, Pennsylvania
HOME OF RECORD:
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Butler's father was a U.S. Congressman for 31 years and was chairman of the House Naval Affairs Committee during the Harding and Coolidge administrations. Smedley Butler is one of TWO Marines who received TWO Medals of Honor for SEPARATE actions, Vera Cruz, Mexico and Haiti. With his award of the Marine Corps Brevet Medal in the Boxer Rebellion, an award considered on par with the Medal of Honor, he could technically be called the only TRIPLE recipient of the Medal of Honor. During World War I he was awarded both the Army and Navy Distinguished Service Medals. He retired as a Major General in 1939, but failed in his subsequent efforts to be elected as a Republican to the U.S. Senate. Known for indiscreet remarks on international affairs that were at odds with officials while he was in the Marine Corps, actions that netted him a reprimand from the Secretary of the Navy, Butler became a popular speaker in retirement and subsequently wrote a book titled "War is a Racket".

"Medal of Honor
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Dominican Republic Occupation
Service: Marine Corps
GENERAL ORDERS:
War Department, General Orders No. 177 (December 4, 1915)

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor (First Award) to Major Smedley Darlington Butler, United States Marine Corps, for distinguished conduct in battle, in the engagement of Vera Cruz, Mexico, on 22 April 1914. Major Butler was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion. He exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through the action of the 22d and in the final occupation of the city."

"Medal of Honor
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING U.S. Invasion and Occupation of Haiti
Service: Marine Corps
Division: U.S.S. Connecticut
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor (Second Award) to Major Smedley Darlington Butler, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action as Commanding Officer of detachments from the 5th, 13th, 23d Companies and the Marine and Sailor Detachment from the U.S.S. CONNECTICUT, Major Butler led the attack on Fort Riviere, Haiti, on 17 November 1915. Following a concentrated drive, several different detachments of Marines gradually closed in on the old French bastion fort in an effort to cut off all avenues of retreat for the Caco bandits. Reaching the fort on the southern side where there was a small opening in the wall, Major Butler gave the signal to attack and Marines from the 15th Company poured through the breach, engaged the Cacos in hand-to-hand combat, took the bastion and crushed the Caco resistance. Throughout this perilous action, Major Butler was conspicuous for his bravery and forceful leadership."

"Marine Corps Brevet Medal
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING China Relief
Service: Marine Corps
Battalion: 2d Battalion of Marines
GENERAL ORDERS:
Marine Corps Orders No. 26 (June 27, 1921)

CITATION:
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in transmitting to First Lieutenant Smedley Darlington Butler, United States Marine Corps, the Brevet Medal which is awarded in accordance with Marine Corps Order No. 26 (1921), for distinguished conduct and public service in the presence of the enemy while serving with the Second Battalion of Marines, near Tientsin, China, on 13 July 1900. On 28 March 1901, First Lieutenant Butler is appointed Captain by brevet, to take rank from 13 July 1900."