The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Private First Class Joe Caballero, United States Marine Corps, for meritorious service in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Rifleman with Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division from 1 November 1969 to 15 March 1970. Throughout this period, Private First Class Caballero performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Demonstrating exceptional leadership potential and ability, he worked tirelessly to accomplish all assigned tasks and consistently provided his command with outstanding support. Participating in numerous patrols and ambushes, he repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage and composure under fire while constantly moving to dangerously exposed vantage points from which to deliver effective fire at the enemy. Particularly inspiring were his actions on 15 February 1970 when he was seriously wounded and unable to continue his combat efforts while participating in a company-sized search and destroy operation. Despite his extremely painful wounds and his physical immobility, he verbally encouraged the Marines fighting near him and exhorted them to continue their mission while he awaited medical evacuation. Private First Class Caballero’s professionalism, aggressive fighting spirit, and steadfast devotion to duty earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Private First Class Caballero is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)