The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William Burns Caldwell, III, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Platoon Leader in an Infantry Company of the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 19 July 1950, in Korea. First Lieutenant Caldwell’s platoon, while seeking to make contact with the enemy, was ambushed by a force estimated at company strength and suffered many casualties. Without regard for his own safety, First Lieutenant Caldwell led an assault on the enemy’s lines and the men, inspired by his gallant example, overran the position. Endeavoring to locate men known to have been wounded in the previous action, he fearlessly advanced int o the face of withering fire, killed four of the enemy, and reached his fallen men and directed their evacuation to a friendly position. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Caldwell, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William Burns Caldwell, III, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a platoon leader of an Infantry Company of the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy Korea, in 1950 and 1951. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Caldwell, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.