THE SILVER STAR (USA)

BUTLER, David Matheson, Lieutenant (5/7006),
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1950

Lieutenant Butler is cited for gallantry while serving as commanding officer of the lead platoon of C Company, 3 RAR, during the advance north of Yongyu, Korea, to join with units of the US 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team on 22 October 1950. On this date the company was in forced march to establish a link with the airborne troops. The enemy had set up a roadblock and flank positions. Lieutenant Butler's lead platoon came under heavy fire from three sides. He quickly organised an attack, reorganised and re-attacked, destroying over seventy enemy soldiers. For two hours Lieutenant Butler personally led the two assaults of his platoon, which succeeded in breaking the roadblock and continuing the advance. Throughout the engagement his conduct was exemplary and contributed largely to the success of the platoon. Lieutenant Butler's calm but determined leadership and heroism were major features in establishing an early junction with the US airborne troops. His gallantry in action was a source of inspiration to those who served alongside him or heard of his courage under fire.

GREEN, Charles Hercules, Lieutenant Colonel (2/37504),
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1950

Lieutenant Colonel Green, Commanding Officer, 3 RAR, displayed gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the UN in Korea. On 22 October 1950, the Royal Australian Regiment was ordered to advance at dawn to seize a bridge over the river at Chongchon-Gang and to link up with the US 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team which had been dropped south of Sukchon. Colonel Green launched his battalion in a vigorous attack against the enemy in attempting to achieve his