The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Stephen L. Caldwell, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Ban Ban, Laos, on 20 December 1972. On that date, Sergeant Caldwell, with total disregard for his own safety, volunteered to descend to the ground on the rescue hoist to aid two injured American airmen, even though hostile activity and ground fire had been encountered in the area. On the ground, Sergeant Caldwell provided emergency medical treatment to the survivors and assisted them in getting to the rescue device, while hostile fire could be heard near them. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Caldwell has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.