Edward L. Butts, Jr.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Edward L. Butts, Jr. was born on April 8, 1946 in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Mr. Butts moved with his family to Union Springs, New York and graduated from high school in 1964.

In 1965, MGySgt Butts enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was sent to the Republic of Vietnam, where he served until 1969. After being promoted to gunnery sergeant meritoriously, he was assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, where he served as the non-commissioned officer in charge. In 1977, he served as the Fleet Marine Force Pacific Engineer Operations Chief until he was ordered to New Orleans, Louisiana. There, he was promoted to his present rank and served as the Base Operations Chief. In 1986, MGySgt Butts was transferred to the Marine Corps Engineer School, where served until his retirement as the School Academic Chief.

MGySgt Butts’ decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals with Combat V, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Citation Ribbon, seven Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and Unit Cross of Gallantry.

MGySgt Butts has enjoyed serving American Legion Post 1107 in his retirement, and has held many offices, including that of Commander, numerous times. He has been actively involved in the Union Springs community throughout his entire career and retirement. He is most proud of erecting monuments engraved with local service members’ names dating back to the Spanish-American War.

MGySgt Butts and his wife, Barbara, have three children, Stefanie, Edward and Michael, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.