The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Owen C. Caouette (ASN: 31261622), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 24 October 1944 in France. Sergeant Caouette was a member of a four man patrol given the mission of crossing a river and proceeding into enemy territory to capture an enemy soldier for interrogation. Having proceeded for some distance under heavy enemy fire, the patrol entered enemy territory, leaving two members at the outskirts thereof and Sergeant Caouette and the commissioned officer proceeded to some buildings then in the hands of the enemy. The commissioned officer fell into the hands of the enemy and was captured. Thereupon, Sergeant Caouette, after killing an enemy soldier whom he encountered in a foxhole, proceeded a short distance and surprised a group of five enemy soldiers on whom he opened fire with his submachine gun, killing the entire group. Sergeant Caouette then succeeded in making his way back to friendly territory. His bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.