8 Replies Latest reply on Jun 28, 2019 9:02 PM by Catherine Berner

The Dixie Mission in China and anything about Major James L. Butler

Catherine Berner Jun 14, 2019 9:27 PM

Jim Wright asked a question in April 2019 that was answered by Rebecca Collier on May 1, 2019. My question is very similar and much of her answer applies. The text of his question is, "How do I access as many records as possible about the Dixie Mission in China in World War II? I am researching Brooke Dolan II, a member of the Dixie Mission who died in China at the end of World War II. Seeking any research advice. including to find any reports he filed, cause of death, etc."

I am interested in any information about a different person associated with the Dixie Mission: Major James L. Butler. Butler served from November of 1946 to March of 1947. He was a photographer who could develop his own film so there also may be photographs associated with his part of the Mission. His daughter is looking for any primary sources concerning him, his correspondence, memos, photos and etc. She showed the photos she has to me and there are many with high level communist officials, including Mao. Thank you.

Re: The Dixie Mission in China and anything about Major James L. Butler

Becca Simons Jun 27, 2019 11:42 AM (in response to Catherine Berner)

Dear Ms. Berner,

Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

We searched OSS/CIA listing and located a James R. Butler. For personnel who remained in the OSS and became part of the CIA after 1946, their personnel records still would be with the CIA. For access to these records, please write to the Information and Privacy Coordinator Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C. 20505.

When requesting records on an individual other than yourself, you must request access to the file under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and provide the following for the CIA to conduct an effective search: Provide a reasonable description of the record(s) requested, provide your full name and address, provide a statement about your fee category and your willingness to pay applicable fees, and requests must be submitted in English. The CIA will charge a search fee regardless of the results. For more information on how to submit a FOIA request, please refer to the CIA web site.

You also may wish to request Butler’s Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) which, along with individual medical reports for those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces after 1956 are in the custody of NARA’s National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. Many Army and Air Force personnel records were destroyed in the 1973 fire, but proof of service can be provided from other records such as morning reports, payrolls, and military orders, and a certificate of military service will be issued. Navy & Marine Corps OMPFs were not affected. Please complete a GSA Standard Form 180 and mail it to NARA’s National Personnel Records Center, (Military Personnel Records), 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138-1002.

Additionally, photographs of various U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps activities dating from 1940 to 2007 are in the custody of the National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures (RDSS). If you would like more information about these records, please contact RDSS via email at stillpix@nara.gov. As well, here is a link to the web page.

We hope this information is helpful. Best of luck on your research!
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- Re: The Dixie Mission in China and anything about Major James L. Butler
  
  Catherine Berner Jun 28, 2019 2:29 AM (in response to Becca Simons)
  
  Thank you for the work Becca. Your research and direction are valuable to us. However, I am looking for Army Major James L. Butler (you have found James R. Butler or is the "R" a typo?).
  
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  - Re: The Dixie Mission in China and anything about Major James L. Butler
    
    Becca Simons Jun 28, 2019 10:42 AM (in response to Catherine Berner)
    
    Dear Ms. Berner,
    
    Thank you for posting your follow-up request on History Hub!
    
    Yes, the name we located is James R. Butler. We rechecked the OSS/CIA records but did not locate a James L. Butler.
    
    We hope this is helpful.
    
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    - Re: The Dixie Mission in China and anything about Major James L. Butler
      
      Catherine Berner Jun 28, 2019 9:02 PM (in response to Becca Simons)
      
      Ok. One more clarification though. Major James L. Butler was Army. Would we find him in other records related to Dixie beyond the OSS/CIA records? He took over for Captain Clifford F. Young as director of the Mission when Young left in November of 1946 and remained until March 1947. He is mentioned in the book Mission to Yenan by Carolle J Carter (1997).
      
      I will ask his daughter about the possibility of R. as a middle initial in any records but everything I have seen in writing about him has him as James L. Butler.
      
      Thanks.
      
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      - Re: The Dixie Mission in China and anything about Major James L. Butler
        
        Catherine Berner Jun 29, 2019 1:48 PM (in response to Catherine Berner)
        
        I spoke with Major Butler's daughter this morning. His middle name was Lester. Definitely Army Major James L. Butler.
        
        We will be requesting his Official Military Personel File. Any other assistance is appreciated.
        
        Thank you.
        
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Re: The Dixie Mission in China and anything about Major James L. Butler

Holly Rivet Jun 28, 2019 9:24 AM (in response to Catherine Berner)

Hello Ms. Berner,

You may also see the thread for another question regarding Captain Brooke Dolan II for more information.

Seeking information on Captain Brooke Dolan II

Sincerely,
Holly Rivet
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- Re: The Dixie Mission in China and anything about Major James L. Butler
  
  Catherine Berner Jun 28, 2019 9:03 PM (in response to Holly Rivet)
  
  Thank you. Yes, I have seen that thread.
  
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