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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant Homer H. Caldwell (ASN: RA-13373298), United States Army, for heroic achievement as a member of Company G, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 November 1952, in the vicinity of Agok, North Korea. On that date, Sergeant Caldwell was a member of a patrol whose mission was to enter the village of Agok, under cover of friendly artillery, and reconnoiter and engage any enemy forces emplaced there. Nearing the village the friendly artillery was lifted and the friendly unit proceeded to search the area. About midway in their advance through the village Sergeant Caldwell spotted two enemy troops, but as the patrol tried to surround them, they attempted to flee. Sergeant Caldwell, realizing the potential value of a prisoner, immediately ran in pursuit of them, unmindful of the dangers of other possible hidden enemy. The enemy separated but Sergeant Caldwell quickly closed the gap between himself and one of them, made a daring leap and tackled the enemy, bringing him to the ground. A hand to hand struggle ensued between the determined Sergeant Caldwell and the fanatical enemy, but it was not long before the enemy was overpowered and successfully captured. The quick thinking and unhesitating courage displayed by Sergeant Caldwell on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 22, 1952
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 312 (September 11, 1952)

    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 Homer H. Caldwell (ASN: RA-13373298), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 22 July 1952, in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea. On that date, Corporal Caldwell was acting in the capacity of Platoon Sergeant of a Rifle Platoon that was engaged in an assault against enemy-held Hill 266, commonly known as “Old Baldy”. During the attack, Corporal Caldwell noticed that the Platoon Leader of another platoon had been wounded and was situated in an exposed position. He then noticed that the men of the wounded officer’s platoon and those of another platoon were in a state of confusion. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Corporal Caldwell reorganized the three platoons and moved about under the intense enemy fire, placing the men in positions from where they could effectively lay down a field of fire. As soon as the defense positions were established, he turned his attention to the wounded and supervised their evacuation. Immediately thereafter the hostile forces unleashed an attack on the left sector of the company. Corporal Caldwell, moving from man to man, directed the return fire and so inspired his men, that the enemy attack was repulsed. Corporal Caldwell’s gallantry in action has gained the respect and admiration of the entire unit and is in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 27, 1952
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 396 (October 25, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant Homer H. Caldwell (ASN: RA-13373298), United States Army, for heroism in action as a member of Company G, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 27 September 1952, in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. On that date Sergeant Caldwell was serving as a platoon sergeant of a Rifle Company that was engaged in a raid behind enemy lines. During the bitter conflict, it became necessary to withdraw in order to reorganize. After the withdrawal had been effected and he had reorganized his platoon, it was discovered that a number of wounded men had been left behind. Unhesitatingly, Sergeant Caldwell returned across the open terrain, under enemy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire until he reached his wounded comrades and then proceeded to assist them over a distance of three miles to the Forward Aid Station. His heroic actions were directly responsible for saving several lives. Sergeant Caldwell’s consummate devotion to comrades and duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.