Monthly Briefing January 2025

Today we join others in applauding the impressive accomplishments and recent high honor of one of our own undersea and hyperbaric medicine specialists, Dr. Frank Butler, Jr. retired U.S. Navy Captain and past Chairman of the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC).  

Many of you may be most familiar with Dr. Butler’s leadership efforts that resulted in central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) becoming a recommended and approved hyperbaric oxygen therapy indication by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society and the Federal Drug Administration, respectively. While no small feat it pales in comparison to his lifetime of other profound accomplishments that led to Dr. Butler being awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, bestowed by President Joe Biden during a ceremony in the White House Briefing Room January 2, 2025 (See photo below). This represents one of the highest honors a civilian can receive and is awarded to those “who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or fellow citizens”.

Dr. Butler’s legacy began during his service as a Navy SEAL, where he developed an intimate understanding of unique challenges faced in combat environments. He transitioned to medicine and upon earning his medical degree spent five years as a diving medical research officer at the U.S Navy’s Experimental Diving Unit. Among other things he developed key SEAL diving techniques, including redefining oxygen exposure limits and decompression and emergency procedures for submarine mounted dry deck shelters and their delivery vehicles. Dr. Butler spearheaded the creation of the TCCC which served to revolutionize battlefield trauma protocols. These protocols were initially adopted by elite units and eventually became standard of care across the U.S. military. They have since influenced trauma care worldwide. It has been reported that the TCCC drove advancements that saved thousands of lives during conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere. Dr. Butler was the inaugural recipient of the TCCC Award, which is now named the CAPT Frank K. Butler Award. Upon bestowing the medal President Biden noted that Dr. Butler’s work “revolutionized trauma care”.

As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Butler is recognized for his publication Diving and Hyperbaric Ophthalmology, long considered this specialty’s standard guidance document for diagnosis and management of ocular disorders in diving.

Given that his impact on the practice of military and civilian medicine is so profound and far reaching, the Presidential Citizens Medal is just recognition.

Dick Clarke, President

National Board of Diving & Hyperbaric Medical Technology

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley Perdue