In January 1943, Cutler began duty in the Pacific Theatre. He was the commander of LST Group 13 and was the commander of the first landing ship tank in the war. He served through eleven invasions; Guadalcanal, Russell Islands, Woodlark Island, New Georgia, Bougainville, Green Islands, Emirau, Hollandia, Guam, Lingayen Gulf, and Okinawa. During these campaigns, Cutler commanded 107 direct air, 10 submarine, and 4 artillery attacks. In 1945 he was awarded a Silver Star in lieu of a second Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service as commander of six echelons of tank landing ships during the Solomon Islands campaign. He was promoted to captain while on terminal leave and released to inactive duty in August 1945.