Name/Title
Philippine Republic Presidential Unit CitationEntry/Object ID
2026.28.1Context
The Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation was awarded to USS JOHN C. BUTLER (DE-339) on October 12, 1984. It recognizes the gallantry and heroism of the ship and her crew during the Battle off Samar on October 25, 1944. The citation reads:
"REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES Camp General Emilio Aquinaldo, Quezon City
12 October 1984 AGMD2 GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 805
AWARD OF THE PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION BADGE
By direction of the President, pursuant to paragraph 91 1, Section II, Armed Forces of the Philippines Regulations G 131-052, this Headquarters, dated 24 April 1967, as amended, the PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION BADGE is hereby awarded to the
USS JOHN C BUTLER
for acts and services of exceptional gallantry and heroism rendered by its officers and crew to the Philippines and its people during the battle off Samar, Philippines, on 25 October 1944 when Task Unit 77.4.3 (Taffy III), to which USS JOHN C BUTLER belonged, was given a vital mission to protect General MacArthur’s forces in Leyte Gulf. As the Central Japanese Force steamed through San Bernardino Strait towards Leyte Gulf, Task Unit 77.4.3 was suddenly attacked by hostile cruisers on its port hand, destroyers on the starboard and battleships from the rear. Quickly laying down a heavy smoke screen, the gallant ships of the Task Unit fiercely waged a battle against the superior speed and firepower of the advancing enemy, swiftly launching and rearming aircraft and violently zigzagging in protection of vessels stricken by hostile armor-piercing shells and suicide bombers. The courageous determination and the superb teamwork of the officers and men of the USS JOHN C BUTLER greatly contributed to the Task Unit’s mission of effecting the retirement of a hostile force that threatened the Leyte invasion operation. By these achievements, USS JOHN C BUTLER earned the lasting admiration of the Philippine Republic and its people.
BY ORDER OF THE DEFENSE MINISTER:
OFFICIAL:
SINFOROSO L DUQUE
Brigadier General, AFP
The Adjutant GeneralCollection
USS John C. Butler DE 339