[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 77 (Tuesday, May 19, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3055-S3056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO DURWARD ``BUTCH'' WADDILL

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Durward C. 
``Butch'' Waddill, a veteran of the Vietnam war. On behalf of all 
Montanans and all Americans, I say ``thank you'' to Butch for his 
service to our Nation.
  It is my honor to share the story of Butch's service in Vietnam, 
because no story of bravery should ever be forgotten. Butch was born on 
November 20, 1946 in Battle Creek, MI. Butch's parents were both in the 
Army: his mother was an Army nurse and his father was in the Medical 
Service Corps. Butch spent most of his childhood traveling among Army 
bases before settling in California.
  In 1964, Butch enlisted in the Marine Corps during his senior year of 
high school. Butch joined the infantry and attended training at the 
Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego and Camp Pendleton. Butch was 
assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and was deployed to 
Okinawa for a 13-month assignment. After 1 month of training, Butch was 
sent as one of the first units to Vietnam in July 1965. His unit made a 
tactical landing on the beach in Da Nang.
  Butch spent the next 13 months in Vietnam before he was reassigned to 
Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Butch joined the 2nd Reconnaissance 
Battalion for a Caribbean cruise until he volunteered to return to 
Vietnam for a second tour. Back in Vietnam, Butch served with Company 
D, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division.
  On November 9, 1967, Butch was monitoring his battalion's radio net 
from a base at Phu Bai when he heard his reconnaissance team had been 
ambushed and was having trouble evacuating casualties. Butch hadn't 
been assigned to patrol because he was preparing to attend Navy diving 
school in the Philippines. Butch rushed to board a helicopter that was 
going to attempt to extract the team and insisted on joining the rescue 
effort. At the team's location, the thick jungle extended for miles and 
there were no available clearings that were suitable for the helicopter 
to land. Butch requested to be lowered by cable through the jungle 
canopy. Without regard for his own safety, Butch immediately organized 
the evacuation of the two most seriously wounded. Then continuing his 
brave mission he helped rescue the remaining team members. He 
administered first aid while directing fire to protect the team's 
escape.
  Butch was left on the ground because there was no additional room for 
him on the chopper. Alone in the jungle, Butch gathered the team's 
rifles and radios. Butch didn't know if they would be able to return 
for him because it was getting dark and he might have to stay the night 
and risk getting shot or taken prisoner. When a helicopter returned to 
hoist him out, Butch was dragged through heavy underbrush for hundreds 
of yards which caused multiple injuries. Once inside the helicopter, 
Butch had blood on his face, hat, and all the way to his boots. Butch 
had 3 rifles slung over each shoulder and a giant load of radio and 
other gear. Maj. Bobby Thatcher says he will never forget the look on 
Butch's bloody face--a huge smile and big white teeth.
  Butch's unmatched bravery resulted in the rescue of all the members 
of the reconnaissance team while under extreme combat conditions. Maj. 
Bobby Thatcher says Butch's actions were the single bravest thing he 
has ever seen, before or since. Butch's bold initiative, undaunted 
courage, and complete dedication to duty display the true meaning of 
selfless service.
  Butch finished his second tour of Vietnam in August 1968 and returned 
to

[[Page S3056]]

the U.S. where he was promoted to second lieutenant while stationed in 
Hawaii. After 9 months in Hawaii, Butch volunteered, yet again, to 
return to Vietnam. Butch began his third tour of Vietnam in August 1969 
and was assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. Butch was 
eventually reassigned to the 3rd battalion, 5th Marine Regiment as 
platoon commander and promoted to company commander. After his third 
tour, Butch continued his service until August 1988. His distinguished 
24 years of military service included serving as an instructor at 
Quantico, to the staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon.
  Butch retired to Nice, France for 7 years where he served as a body 
guard for a Saudi Arabian Princess and as security officer for the 
American International School. In 1995, Butch returned to the United 
States and lived in Colorado for a year. After visiting a friend 
Montana, Butch decided to move there in 1996. Butch served in the 
Montana Legislature in the early 2000s. Butch and his life partner 
Marilyn Wolff are members of the Montana Wilderness Association where 
they work to protect our state's public lands.
  It is my privilege to honor Butch Waddill's true heroism, sacrifice, 
and dedication to service by presenting him with the Silver Star Medal. 
Thank you, Butch.

                          ____________________