The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] John R. Caldwell (ASN: RA-15410109), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 July 1950, near Hwanggan, Korea, withdrawal of the company beset by superior numbers of enemy became necessary, but strong hostile action hindered movement. One machine gun in particular made displacement of the 3d platoon exceedingly difficult. When the fire let up slightly, Corporal Caldwell stood up and fired his automatic rifle and wiped out the crew of the hostile weapon. He remained in place firing at the advancing foe until all his comrades had successfully withdrawn. Corporal Caldwell’s exceptionally valorous action reflects great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Army.