in 1915, Major Smedley Darlington Butler, while serving as the commanding officer for the 5th, 13th, and 23rd Companies and Marine and Sailor detachment aboard the U.S.S. Connecticut, led the attack on Fort Riviere on 17 November 1915 during the Haitian Campaign.
Following a concentrated drive, several different detachments of Marines gradually closed in on the French bastion fort, cutting all avenues of retreat for the Haitian guerrilla group bandits inside. After reaching the fort on the southern side where there was a small opening in the wall, Maj. Butler gave the signal to attack. Marines from the 15th Company poured through the breach, engaged the Haitian guerrillas in hand-to-hand combat, took the bastion, and crushed the guerrilla resistance. Throughout this perilous action, Maj. Butler was conspicuous for his bravery and forceful leadership.
Maj Butler was awarded his second Medal of Honor for the extraordinary heroism for his actions, having received the first for actions in Veracruz, Mexico in 1914. Maj Butler is one of two Marines to receive two Medals of Honor on separate occasions throughout his career.
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