The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Richard I. McCaffrey (ASN: 0-1695678), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Kunu-ri, Korea, on 4 November 1950. His company was engaged in a counterattack on hill-top positions when it was learned that the enemy had infiltrated the company’s flanks. The company was ordered to withdraw to a more strategic position, but as the movement began the enemy again attacked. In ordering his platoon to withdraw he personally went to each man’s position to insure that no wounded men or weapons were left behind. As he moved from position to position and his men were moving down the reverse slope toward the new positions the enemy swarmed over the crest of the hill. Facing the enemy at extremely close range he slowly moved down the hill personally covering the withdrawal of his platoon. He fought off approximately one squad of the enemy at a range of a few feet. The many casualties he inflicted diverted the enemy’s fire from his men and engaged the platoon to reach its new position without loss. Hid coolness and bravery prevented the determined enemy from overrunning the entire company. Captain McCaffrey’s extraordinary heroism and exemplary leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Infantry.