Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    61st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    5th Infantry Division (Mechanized)

    Action Date:

    June 18, 1969

    Headquarters, XXIV Corps, General Orders No. 1710 (September 30, 1969)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard Jack Calliger (ASN: 0-5352698), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force on 18 June 1969. Lieutenant Calliger, 2d Platoon Leader, Company B, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 61st Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), distinguished himself by re-establishing his platoon’s defense against an intensive enemy ground attack Southwest of Khe Sanh. At 0330 hours, the 20th North Vietnamese Army Sapper Company, reinforced by an infantry company, attacked their night position. At the initial attack, the third squad was subjected to a suicidal assault by a squad of North Vietnamese Army sappers. With every man on the position either dead or wounded, Lieutenant Calliger charged through a barrage of fire to reclaim the position and rescue personnel who were still alive. He maneuvered forward despite intense enemy fire and routed the enemy. He personally carried a wounded man back through enemy fire to where he could receive medical aid. His display of courage and selflessness was responsible for saving many lives and dealing a crushing blow to a superior enemy force. Lieutenant Calliger’s gallantry in action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.