James L. Caldwell

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James L. Caldwell (0-2005656), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company L, 3d Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. First Lieutenant Caldwell distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Homangi, Korea, on 5 October 1951. Assigned the mission of attacking and occupying commanding ground tenaciously defended by a strongly fortified hostile force, Lieutenant Caldwell’s platoon moved up the rugged slope of the hill under devastating small-arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. He led his platoon in a charge and was the first to enter the enemy position. Forced to withdraw for lack of ammunition, he reorganized and led a second but unsuccessful charge. Although wounded twice by small-arms fire while rallying and regrouping to renew the assault, he refused medical treatment and continued to lead the platoon through withering fire until he was struck by a mortar burst and fell mortally wounded on the crest of the hill. Inspired by the incredible courage of their valiant leader, Lieutenant Caldwell’s resolute troopers stormed forward with such ferocity that the enemy was overwhelmed and the key terrain feature secured.