Ken Butcher was born on December 20, 1956, in New York City, New York. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on January 20, 1976, and completed basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, in March 1976. Butcher next attended Machinist's Mate training at NTC Great Lakes from March to June 1976, followed by Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training with Class 90 from June 1976 to January 1977. He attended the Navy Parachute School at NATTC Lakehurst, New Jersey, during February 1977, and then served with UDT-11 at NAB Coronado, California, from March 1977 to February 1980. During this time he deployed aboard the dock landing ship USS Anchorage (LSD-36) from March to April 1977, aboard the dock landing ship USS Alamo (LSD-33) in July 1977, aboard the tank landing ship USS Schenectady (LST-1185) from July to August 1977, back aboard the USS Anchorage from September to November 1977, and aboard the dock landing ship USS Fort Fisher (LSD-40) from March to July 1979. He also deployed with Naval Special Warfare Unit ONE to Naval Station Subic Bay in the Philippines from July to September 1979. After completing additional training, MM1 Butcher served with SEAL Team SIX at Dam Neck, Virginia, from December 1981 until he was killed in action during Operation Urgent Fury, the Invasion of Grenada, on October 23, 1983. His remains were never recovered from the Caribbean Sea near Grenada.

The Sailor's Creed:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.