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<p><em>Robert Ronald “Ron” Butterfield</em> was born on October 6, 1943 in Fort Worth, TX, the son of Jack and Nina Butterfield. His father was a noted hockey executive and later president of the American Hockey League, while his stepfather was in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Ron grew up in Springfield, MA, where he attended Springfield High School and distinguished himself in athletics, leadership, and academic performance. His record earned him an appointment to the United States Military Academy.</p>
<p>At West Point, Ron was in Company B-2 for his first two years, followed by two years in C-2. He played both football and hockey and was known as one of the strongest athletes in the Class of 1965. He was recognized with the Silver Platter, given to the top athlete of his class. Classmates recall his quiet confidence, determination, and ability to lift up those around him. He often credited teammates for his success, and that humility became a hallmark of his life.</p>
<p>While most classmates went into the Army, Ron chose the Marine Corps because, as he later said, “I wanted to fly fighters.” He graduated flight school in 1968 and went directly into the F-4 Phantom II. Assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, he deployed to Vietnam, where he flew 337 combat missions out of Chu Lai—an extraordinary number that far exceeded the typical tour. “Every mission you were on, you were getting shot at,” he later recalled. “I just loved every bit of it.” His radar intercept officer, Walt Britton, flew hundreds of those missions with him, and Ron would later say he trusted Walt with his life.</p>
<p>On the night of March 25, 1969, Captain Butterfield launched as wingman in a flight of two Phantoms assigned to provide close air support to Marines under siege in Quang Tri Province near the Laotian border. With weather collapsing to near zero visibility, haze and smoke filling the valleys, and hostile fire constant, he repeatedly dove through mountainous terrain to strike the enemy. Undaunted by the danger, he made five separate bombing runs, pressing each attack to deliver ordnance with pinpoint accuracy. Three large secondary explosions rocked the target, and dozens of enemy soldiers were killed. The Marine battalion commander came on the radio and said, “Captain, I would like you to know that, because of you, my Marines are alive.” Later, Ron would admit, “Literally, I should not be here today because of that mission.” For his heroism, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His courage, skill, and devotion to duty exemplified the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.</p>
<p>After leaving Vietnam, he continued flying at El Toro, CA until separating from the Marine Corps as a captain in 1975. He considered a career with the airlines but instead turned to business, where he built a successful civilian career. He worked with IBM, NBI, and later in commercial real estate and office automation systems. He rose quickly because of his work ethic and ability to build strong teams, much as he had done in uniform. </p>
<p>Ron and Marsha met in Palm Springs, CA and were married there on September 24, 1976. They enjoyed nearly 50 years together, with shared passions for golf and church life. They lived in Palm Springs, later moved to Seattle, WA, and eventually built their family home in Washington state. Ron loved to play golf and was a member at both Oakmont Country Club in California and Sahalee Country Club near Seattle. </p>
<p>Though he rarely returned to West Point, Ron remained grateful for the foundation it gave him and the friends it brought into his life. He spoke often of his faith, acknowledging that “it was the help of God that I made it through all of the stuff that I went through while I was in Vietnam.” He advised younger generations that “the military is a good way of life. It will teach you a lot about yourself and make you a better citizen.” Even as he described the dangers of flying into combat, he spoke with humility and gratitude rather than bravado. To his classmates, he was not only a superb athlete and warrior but also a man who credited others, lifted up teammates, and lived by faith.</p>
<p>Ron’s decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal (with multiple awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat “V,” the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Naval Aviator Wings, and USMC marksmanship badges for both rifle and pistol expert. These decorations reflect a combat career of courage, skill, and devotion to his fellow Marines.</p>
<p>He is survived by his wife, Marsha; his son John Butterfield, and his two children from his first marriage, David and Dawn Butterfield. His legacy is measured not only in the hundreds of Marines who lived because of his courage but also in the quiet devotion he showed to family and friends over a lifetime well lived.</p>
<p>Well Done, Ron; Be Thou at Peace.</p>
<p><em>— Family, Friends and Classmates</em></p>
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