Richard Wayland Caldwell

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Richard Wayland Caldwell, Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Infantry Landing Craft U.S.S. LCI(L), FIVE (LCI(L) #5), in action against enemy forces during the assault on Sicily on 10 July 1943. Although his ship was beached and broached during an intense and close hostile attack and was riddled by hundreds of shells and machine-gun bullets, Lieutenant Commander Caldwell skillfully fought his vessel throughout a one-hour period and succeeded in maintaining the fire from the guns on board until the ammunition supply was exhausted and in carrying out the landing of army troops on the enemy beach. By his superb professional skill, daring leadership and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Caldwell contributed to the success of the engagement and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.