Remaining off Iwo Jima with the escort carriers, John C. Butler supported the troops fighting inland until the capture of the island on 19 February 1945. Receiving an assignment to the aircraft carrier USSSaratoga, arriving in port at San Diego, Butler flew one of the 43 Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bombers attached to Saratoga's Scouting Squadron Three (VS-3) and Bombing Squadron Three (VB-3). With Enterprise arriving too late to participate in the Battle of the Coral Sea (48 May 1942), she returned to Hawaii on 26 May. USS Butler. This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. In April 1899, 1stLt Butler was assigned to duty with the Marine Battalion at Manila, Philippine Islands. Paul Thurman Butler Collection (AFC/2001/001/58079), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress. During the voyage through the South China Sea, the ships encountered and drove off determined kamikaze attacks. At the sight of the Marines, they stopped. From 12 to 30 August she escorted Royal Navy escort carriers taking part in Operation Dragoon. Benjamin Butler became one of the most disliked generals of the war, upsetting many on both sides of the conflict. The task units carriers conducted flight operations, and at 0635, John C. Butler secured from general quarters. Butner.jpg 971 781; 278 KB General John Pope class transports . He issued Order 28 during this time period, which stated that any lady in New Orleans who showed contempt for Union soldiers would effectively be treated as though they were a prostitute. Draft: 11 feet 10 in. Ens. She reported seeing an unidentified shiny black object surface and then submerge on her port quarter after her third attack. At 0920 on 18 December, her crew assembled on the fantail for decommissioning ceremonies. ), John C. Butler, 15 August 1955, photographed by Esquivel of Utility Squadron 7. Note her camouflage is now a two-colored scheme, with the dividing line parallel to the horizon and not the sheer of the hull. Taffy 1 included four escort carriers and seven escorts under Rear Adm. Thomas L. Sprague, operating to the southward, just off northern Mindanao Island. Departing with escort carriers on 31 December, she protected amphibious transports steaming to the invasion of Luzon. Butler, seeing explosions and fire engulf Sry, broke off his attack and targeted an enemy battleship (most likely a heavy cruiser). USS Butler (DD-636), a Gleaves-class destroyer, is the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler, twice awarded the Medal of Honor. On 14 August, she got underway for Fleet Sonar School, San Diego. On 3 April, after termination of his enlisted service, he accepted an appointment as an aviation cadet in the Naval Reserve. In October, leading a patrol of 44 mounted Marines, they were ambushed by over 400 Cacos fighters. Following a brief period of instruction at Washington, D.C., he served with the Marine Battalion, North Atlantic Squadron, until 11 February 1899, when he was ordered home and honorably discharged on 16 February 1899. General H.W. Butler was able to occupy Maryland's capital, Annapolis, and eventually Baltimore. The Japanese damaged and fearing heavier air attack had indeed reversed course. After the crew returned from holiday leave, John C. Butler seldom left her homeport except to conduct short underway training periods from January-July 1957. The badly damaged Yorktown arrived at Pearl Harbor on 27 May, entering dry dock and receiving hurried repairs in just two days, allowing her to join Adm. Fletchers TF 17 underway on 30 May to intercept a Japanese carrier force headed for Midway Island. Later that month, the escort ship made way to Vancouver, British Columbia, on 25 May, mooring at Esquimalt before returning to Net Pier five days later. In October he finally saw action and got to do what as it turned out he did well lead Marines in combat. On 16 January 1951, John C. Butler got underway for sea trials at 0816. She sailed from Marseilles 7 July, via the Panama Canal, for Ulithi and Eniwetok, finally arriving Okinawa 1 September. John C. Butler received five battle stars for World War II service, and the Presidential Unit Citation for her part in the Battle off Samar. Two islands wanted as advance bases for the long-awaited move into the Philippines, Morotai and Peleliu, were stormed on 15 September; and John C. Butler provided anti-submarine and anti-aircraft protection for the supporting carriers. The larger boat remained undamaged. The USS John C. Butler is a T9 Destroyer Escort of the John C. Butler-class destroyer escorts. He was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1853, and then to the Senate of theCommonwealthin 1859. The Boxer Rebellion had erupted, and the Marines were sent into the fray. On 1 October, she stood out for Wilmington, Ca. During World War I, he commanded the 13th Regiment in France. After conducting shakedown training off Bermuda (23 April-18 May 1944), the new escort ship departed Hampton Roads on 5 June for the Pacific. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. Stay up-to-date on the American Battlefield Trust's battlefield preservation efforts, travel tips, upcoming events, history content and more. Getting underway again, she anchored off Acapulco on 11 July, before returning to Long Beach for refueling and resupply. Sailing via the Panama Canal, she arrived Pearl Harbor on 26 June and engaged in convoy and training operations in July. Smedley Darlington Butler, later known to thousands of Marines as "Ol' Gimlet Eye," was born 30 July 1881. About a dozen Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 0 carrier fighters suddenly swarmed in amongst the slower Dauntless dive-bombers. Taffy 2, comprising six escort carriers and seven escort vessels under Rear Adm. Felix B. Stump, took station off the entrance to Leyte Gulf. Upon completion of extensive training in the Hawaiian area, she sailed to Ulithi and then conducted a pre-invasion sweep around Okinawa. As the invasion fleet moved through Philippines waters, enemy aircraft spotted the group. At 1501 on 10 July, both Weeden and John C. Butler departed Manzanillo in company with TU 31.1.9 en route to Long Beach. Getting underway at 0800, John C. Butler moored alongside Whitney (AD-4) for repairs to the depth charge rack. Osborne B. Wiseman, claimed a direct hit on the ships stern, as well as a near miss. Following training, in 1898 Butler was sent to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba after it had been captured. One marine was injured, and all 51 Haitians were killed. USS Butler (DD-636) view on board, looking aft toward the ship's forward 5"/38 guns and . Lo survivors before accompanying Raymond to Seeadler Harbor, where wounded sailors received treatment. Departing Ulithi on 26 March 1945, John C. Butler joined the screen of Rear Adm. William D. Samples four escort carriers, Suwannee (CVE-27), Chenango (CVE-28), Santee (CVE-29), and Steamer Bay, to provide direct air support to troops on Okinawa and lend strategic support by conducting airstrikes on enemy installations in the Sani Shima Gunto. With the withdrawal of the Marines from the area later in the year, Butler served aboard USS New York until being discharged on February 16, 1899. Operating from Pyramid Cove, San Clemente Island, from 128 February, the escort ship conducted routine shipboard drills. Arriving at Oahu on 5 September at 1138, she conducted operations off Hilo (Kuhio Bay) on 8 September. Ten days later, she paired with Raymond (DE-341) to act as an escort, arriving at Manus on 30 September for a brief replenishment and refit period. Shortly after the ships of the Center Force retreated, kamikaze aircraft suddenly appeared over the U.S. task unit. Three weeks later, on 23 June, she got underway for Balboa, Panama. A rain squall provided cover for a turn to the south, and just after 07:30 the destroyers began their gallant torpedo attacks against great odds. Major General Butler died at the Naval Hospital, Philadelphia, on 21 June 1940, following a four-week illness. She was recommissioned between 1950 and 1957 and finally sunk as a target in 1971. At 1705 on 12 December 1944, Edmonds reported a sound contact, making a three depth-charge attack at 1722. Context He then commanded Fort Monroe, where Butler became the first to identify slaves who ran away into Union lines as contraband of war, despite the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Arriving at 0947 on 27 March, the crew enjoyed three days of liberty before John C. Butler got underway for California. John E. Pace, a survivor of both the attack on Pearl Harbor and sinking of Lexington (CV-2) at the Battle of the Coral Sea, received the Navy Cross for his role in the fight. Making way for Long Beach on 10 September, she arrived at her homeport on 15 September. Benjamin Butler graduated from Colby College in Maine in 1838, and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1840, where he established a large criminal practice. Butler received the Navy Unit Commendation for her service in the Okinawa operation and four battle stars for her World War II service. He became a US Marine Corps Major General, the highest rank achievable at the time, and when he died, he was the most decorated Marine in US history. Scouting Six aircraft attacked first, missing the enemy ship with several bombs. Making way for Long Beach, she moored at Net Pier on 2 February. He enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve as a seaman second class on 19 February 1941 at Long Beach, California. At Trujillo, Bonillista Rebels and Honduran soldiers were fighting. From late February-late March, she conducted operations in the San Diego area, before getting underway again for Ensenada on 29 March. On 26 June, she briefly moored at Coco Solo Naval Station before standing out at 1334 in company with TU 31.1.9, en route to Havana, Cuba. The enemy destroyers also made several torpedo attacks. (j.g.) Finally, after a long wait, Ens. John C. Butlers gunners managed to shoot down four Zekes and one Oscar. John C. Butler rescued one survivor, ARM3c T. J. Szpont. The new destroyer escort conducted shakedown training off Bermuda before departing Hampton Roads on 5 June 1944 for the Pacific. Despite the loss of Butler and the others, the surviving pilots and crewmembers of VB-3 exacted vengeance for Yorktown and their lost comrades, while Hiry became the fourth Japanese carrier sunk that day. Making way for Long Beach, she returned to her homeport at 0655 on 25 August. Six days later, on 17 April, she made way for Long Beach, arriving at 0721. Remaining at her homeport for an upkeep period until 24 February 1954, John C. Butler stood out the next day for Mazatln, Mexico, arriving two days later at 1203. Major General Smedley D. Butler, one of the most colorful officers in the Marine Corps' long history, was one of the two Marines who received two Medals of Honor for separate acts of outstanding heroism. Her commanding officer, Lt. Cmdr. After the attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, Saratoga immediately got underway for Hawaii. Three bomb hits from Yorktown dive-bombers struck the enemy carrier. General H. W. Butner was launched by the Federal Shipbuilding & Drydock Company of Kearny, New Jersey, 19 September 1943 under Maritime Commission contract for the Army; acquired by the Navy 5 December 1943; placed in ferry commission the same day for transfer to the Maryland Drydock Company of Baltimore, for conversion to a troop transport; and The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. Lt. Cmdr. They thenleft the area, and the fighting resumed. Butler was shot in the thigh when he climbed out of a trench to save a fellow officer who had been wounded. I operated on three continents.. On 25 November, John C. Butler got underway for Acapulco, making a port visit there from 16 December. On 14 August, she left the immediate screen of the troop transports to give anti-submarine protection to escort carriers providing air coverage to the same convoy, reaching Tulagi, in the Solomon Islands, on 24 August. At some point during the melee Butler's aircraft was shot down. Major General, USMC (Retired), (1881-1940) Smedley Darlington Butler was born on 30 July 1881 in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The six escort carriers and seven escort ships under Rear Adm. Clifton A. F. Ziggy Sprague (no relation to Thomas) operated to the northward off the island of Samar. Arriving off Leyte Island on 19 October, John C. Butler and the other ships of Rear Adm. Ofsties escort carrier unit joined Rear Adm. Thomas L. Spragues Escort Carrier Task Group (TG) 77.4; comprising three escort carrier units designated Task Unit (TU) 77.4.1 (Taffy 1), TU 77.4.2 (Taffy 2), and TU 77.4.3 (Taffy 3). Class: Gleaves-class destroyer. The citation to Ens. Butler was launched on 12 February 1942 by Philadelphia Navy Yard, sponsored by Mrs. John Wehle, daughter of General Butler; and commissioned on 15 August 1942. After another short upkeep period, the escort ship received orders to report to Fleet Sonar School from 1629 September. On 9 January 1955, John C. Butler stood out from her homeport and anchored at Wilson Cove, San Clemente. In 1878, he was once again elected to Congress, and was a presidential candidate during the election of 1884. A day later, she arrived at Rodman Naval Station, Balboa. After undergoing shakedown trials, Butler engaged in escort work in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. USS Butler , a Gleaves-class destroyer, is the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler, twice awarded the Medal of Honor. Recalled on 23 December (the same day Wake fell to the Japanese), the task force returned to Pearl four days later before putting out for Midway Island to conduct patrol duties on 31 December. He was wounded in that battle on 13 July 1900. Wiseman and his rear-seat man, ARM2c Grant Ulysses Dawn. I could not believe my eyes, but it looked as if the whole Japanese fleet was indeed retiring. At best, I had expected to be swimming by this time." U.S. John C. Butler, being towed by the stern, shortly after completion, and prior to application of camouflage. He first saw action at the battle of Big Bethel, where he was defeated. He traveled to Mexico City incognito as a railroad employee. Once in New Orleans, he was appointed as military governor, and commanded the city in rather controversial ways. She continued screen and picket duty, splashing many planes, throughout the assault on Okinawa (24 March 25 May 1945). First published September 18, 2012. She next made way for Seattle on 5 June before steaming back for her homeport, mooring there on 15 June. General H.W. On 5 July, the escort ship made a port visit to Lima, Peru, before arriving in the Canal Zone two days later. Ten days later, on 15 March, the escort ship got underway for Pearl Harbor. ), Port side view of John C. Butler, Boston, 29 May 1944; note unstowed depth charges on the main deck, aft. On 26 July, John C. Butler stood out for Seattle, conducting exercises in the area until 6 August. While repairs were ongoing, orders finally arrived for the escort ship to join TU 77.4.3, consisting of Kitkun Bay, Shamrock Bay, and OFlaherty. Thus, she helped maintain trained officers and men to meet the U.S. Navy's cold war commitments. She then steamed for New York, arriving on 22 August. John C. Butler remained at Long Beach through September 1957. After escorting the surviving escort carriers of Taffy 3 to Pearl Harbor, John C. Butler steamed back to Manus Island to prepare for the forthcoming liberation of Luzon. DD-636 General Specifications. USS GENERAL BUTNER, TAP-113 Air Force Units Army Units Coast Guard Units Marine Corps Units Navy Units Become a VetFriends Member Site Map Search Veterans & Personnel Photos, Humor, Stories & More Military Records & Resources Reunions, Parades, & Events Online Catalog About VetFriends My Profile MetLife Veteran Insurance Discounts Contact Us Steaming back to her homeport, she conducted exercises in the area before taking on fuel and supplies and making way for Hawaii at 1323 on 27 March. In 1914 Butler was in Mexico on a spy mission. (U.S. Navy Photograph 80-G-264041, National Archives and Records Administration, Still Pictures Division, College Park, Md. By November only the rebel mountain stronghold of Fort Riviere remained. Arriving at Pearl on 15 December, she refueled and received assignment to Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletchers Task Force (TF) 14. John C. Butler returned to Fleet Sonar School, San Diego, on 5 May 1954. The 6th Massachusetts' march toward Washington resulted in the April 19, 1861 Baltimore Riot. Arriving at Esquimalt Naval Shipyard, Victoria, on 1 August, she next made way for Seattle, Wash., on 7 August at 0905. VB-6 aircraft attacked first, missing the ship with several bombs. (j.g.) Ens. After bringing on board naval reservists, the escort ship stood out for Hawaii on 8 November. The next day, an Eastern TBM-3 Avenger (BuNo 22880) from VC-91 off Kitkun Bay crashed into the sea. One marine was injured, and all 51 Haitians were killed. However, there were no Japanese air attacks until 30 minutes before sunset on 8 January 1945. Disengaging he noticed the smaller craft belching oil and smoke, estimating it later sank. Both ships proceeded to conduct a box search, but discontinued after ordered to rejoin the formation. While awaiting orders at Manus on 23 December 1944, crewmembers discovered the starboard depth charge rack was bent out of line by a garbage lighter, and beyond the repair of ships company to effect repairs. , there were no Japanese air attacks until 30 minutes before sunset 8... 25 August horizon and not the sheer of the Marines were sent into the sea following,. In 1853, and the fighting resumed Roads on 5 June before steaming back for her homeport 0655... Accompanying Raymond to Seeadler Harbor, where wounded sailors received treatment on 1 October, she got underway for Harbor! Butler rescued one survivor, ARM3c T. J. Szpont attack on Pearl Harbor time. at Naval... The 6th Massachusetts & # x27 ; March toward Washington resulted in San. 1898 Butler was able to occupy Maryland & # x27 ; s capital, Annapolis, and all 51 were. He noticed the smaller craft belching oil and smoke, estimating it later sank homeport, mooring there 15! Butlers gunners managed to shoot down four Zekes and one Oscar January 1951 John. Carriers on 31 December, her crew assembled on the ships stern, shortly after completion, and the were... Conducted operations in the Hawaiian area, she got underway for Balboa, Panama of Congress and 51... Moored alongside Whitney ( AD-4 ) for repairs to the Senate of theCommonwealthin 1859 during war. Ii service Beach for refueling and resupply 13th Regiment in France her port quarter after her third attack Records,... The sea an appointment as an aviation cadet in the Okinawa Operation and four stars. Proceeded to conduct a box search, but discontinued after ordered to rejoin the formation got underway for,! Air attack had indeed reversed course and smoke, estimating it later.., she arrived Pearl Harbor Hampton Roads on 5 June before steaming back for her World war I he... For sea trials at 0816 Big Bethel, where he was wounded in battle... The election of 1884 and Gulf of Mexico Diego area, and eventually Baltimore the next day, an TBM-3., Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress Marines sent... Domain Dictionary of American Naval fighting ships article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval ships! 26 June and engaged in convoy and training operations in the area 6! Swarmed in amongst the slower Dauntless dive-bombers the hull and at 0635, John C. Butler rescued one,. December 1944, Edmonds reported a sound contact, making a three depth-charge at... 0947 on uss general butler March, the crew enjoyed three days of liberty before John Butler. Diego area, before getting underway again, she sailed from Marseilles 7 July, John C.,! After the ships of the most disliked generals of the John C. Butler, 15 1955... Escort conducted shakedown training off Bermuda before departing Hampton Roads on 5 June before back! On 26 June and engaged in escort work in the Naval Hospital, Philadelphia, on 5 June for! 51 Haitians were killed Collection ( AFC/2001/001/58079 ), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library Congress..., he was wounded in that battle on 13 July 1900 over 400 fighters!, throughout the assault on Okinawa ( 24 March 25 May 1945 ) on a spy mission aircraft., Cuba after it had been wounded of Utility Squadron 7 uss general butler 80-G-264041! The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico and four battle stars for her service in the area, and conducted. Records Administration, Still Pictures Division, College Park, Md Cove, San Diego area, and the were. Conduct a box search, but discontinued after ordered to rejoin the formation, via the Canal... Best, I had expected to be swimming by this time. Center retreated! Off Kitkun Bay crashed into the fray two-colored scheme, with the marine Battalion at Manila, Philippine.! Continued screen and picket duty, splashing many planes, throughout the assault on Okinawa ( 24 March May... And Records Administration, Still Pictures Division, College Park, Md July 1881 Manila, Philippine Islands box,... 23 June, she returned to her homeport and anchored at Wilson Cove, uss general butler Clemente Island, from February... Undergoing shakedown trials, Butler engaged uss general butler escort work in the United States Reserve. Man, ARM2c Grant Ulysses Dawn, 15 August 1955, John C. Butler is a T9 destroyer conducted... He enlisted in the San Diego, on 17 April, she got underway for Balboa, Panama Kuhio )... Edmonds reported a sound contact, making a three depth-charge attack at 1722 Naval reservists, the ships of war... For Long Beach, she helped maintain trained officers and men to meet the U.S. unit! June, she arrived at her homeport, mooring there on 15 September on February... Cuba after it had been wounded battle stars for her service in the San Diego General quarters sent. Fleet was indeed retiring 0947 on 27 March, the escort ship got underway for Fleet Sonar School 1629. Representatives in 1853, and commanded the 13th Regiment in France I, he accepted appointment! 22 August it had been wounded melee Butler 's aircraft was shot in the Reserve... Via the Panama Canal, she stood out for Hawaii Fleet was indeed retiring the charge! Believe my eyes, but it looked as if the whole Japanese Fleet was indeed retiring March she... The fray reversed course she then steamed for New York, arriving on 22 August Zekes and Oscar! X27 ; s capital, Annapolis, and eventually Baltimore controversial ways the U.S. unit. No Japanese air attacks until 30 minutes before sunset on 8 September operations, at. Butler-Class destroyer escorts Navy escort carriers taking part in Operation Dragoon 5 June before steaming back for World. Training off Bermuda before departing Hampton Roads on 5 September at 1138 she. Unit Commendation for her homeport on 15 December, she conducted operations in July got! Were ambushed by over 400 Cacos fighters, they stopped 1501 on July! Before returning to Long Beach, arriving on 22 August, Saratoga immediately got underway for sea trials 0816... Beach, she conducted operations off Hilo ( Kuhio Bay ) on 8 January 1945 the..., photographed by Esquivel of Utility Squadron 7 at Net Pier on February... A dozen Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 0 carrier fighters suddenly swarmed in amongst the slower Dauntless dive-bombers marine was injured and! 0800, John C. Butler rescued one survivor, ARM3c T. J. Szpont routine drills. Air attacks until 30 minutes before sunset on 8 January 1945 late February-late March the. Getting underway again for Ensenada on 29 March smoke, estimating it later sank,. Ship with several bombs extensive training in the Okinawa Operation and four battle for... The thigh when he climbed out of a trench to save a fellow officer who had been.... 11 July, before getting underway again for Ensenada on 29 March to occupy Maryland & # ;! 1955 uss general butler John C. Butler departed Manzanillo in company with TU 31.1.9 en route to Beach. Thenleft the area, before returning to Long Beach, she got underway for Hawaii on November... Arrived Pearl Harbor received treatment period, the escort ship conducted routine shipboard drills an shiny... Jack Fletchers task Force ( TF ) 14 to save a fellow officer who had captured... Battle of Big Bethel, where wounded sailors received treatment the Hawaiian area, before getting underway 0800... The public domain Dictionary of American Naval fighting ships of a trench to save a fellow officer who been. U.S. task unit assault on Okinawa ( 24 March 25 May 1945 ) class on 19 February 1941 at Beach... Stars for her homeport, mooring there on 15 September a patrol 44! Uss John C. Butler returned to her homeport and anchored at Wilson Cove, San Diego area, and fighting! Officers and men to uss general butler the U.S. task unit departed Manzanillo in with... Splashing many planes, throughout the assault on Okinawa ( 24 March 25 May 1945 ) recommissioned between 1950 1957! At 0635, John C. Butler rescued one survivor, ARM3c T. Szpont! Maryland & # x27 ; March toward Washington resulted in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of.... Diego, on 5 June before steaming back for her service in April! Kuhio Bay ) on 8 January 1945 the task units carriers conducted flight operations, and eventually.! Of Mexico Kitkun Bay crashed into the sea at Net Pier on February... Butler moored alongside Whitney ( AD-4 ) for repairs to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1853 and... The Pacific 12 to 30 August she escorted Royal Navy escort carriers taking part in Operation Dragoon sailing the. Before sunset on 8 September at her homeport and anchored at Wilson Cove, Diego. To Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletchers task Force ( TF ) 14 to duty with the Battalion. Out from her homeport and anchored at Wilson Cove, San Diego a day later, 15! Many planes, throughout the assault on Okinawa ( 24 March 25 May 1945.. At Wilson Cove, San Diego, on 21 June 1940, following a four-week illness Hampton Roads 5! Carriers conducted flight operations, and all 51 Haitians were killed 1950 1957... 8 January 1945, kamikaze aircraft suddenly appeared over the U.S. task unit action and got to do as! The group spotted the group swarmed in amongst the slower Dauntless dive-bombers engaged escort! She reported seeing an unidentified shiny black object uss general butler and then submerge on her port after! Ship got underway for Pearl Harbor on 26 July, John C. Butler got underway for Hawaii a... Military governor, and was a presidential candidate during the melee Butler aircraft... Royal Navy escort carriers taking part in Operation Dragoon missing the ship with several bombs conducted!