The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Watson Garrard Caudill, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Caudill distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 6 October 1967. On that date, Captain Caudill was leading his men on a search and destroy operation near Loc Ninh. While camped on a rubber plantation, his men underwent a massive ground assault from a numerically superior Viet Cong force, employing automatic weapons, small arms, and machine guns. Disregarding his personal safety, Captain Caudill ran from position to position, encouraging and directing his men to repel the attackers while covering the return of a friendly ambush patrol. Further, he exposed himself to hostile fire while supervising the evacuation of the wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Caudill, 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.