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 Sergeant Dennis L. Caylor, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM near As Samawah, Iraq, on 30 March 2003. First Sergeant Caylor’s personal bravery and selfless actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, 82d Airborne Division and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
First Sergeant Dennis L. Caylor distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during combat operations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, near As Samawah, Iraq. On the morning of 30 March 2003, Company B, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment was ordered to move to and seize a blocking position to establish a base of operations in As Samawah. While the company was moving into position, several enemy soldiers were identified with weapons. After engaging the enemy, Company B, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment began to take effective mortar, RPG, and machine gun fire. The enemy force soon grew to approximately sixty personnel. During the enemy engagement, First Sergeant Dennis Caylor was with Company B, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment when Private First Class Light, a SAW gunner with the third platoon was shot in the face and began choking on his own blood. Without regard for his safety, First Sergeant Caylor left his covered position, receiving a near hit as a mortar round threw dirt and mud on his position. He moved a gator over 100 meters of open ground through enemy indirect and direct fire to reach Private First Class Light. Organizing a CASEVAC with no medic at the time, First Sergeant Caylor proceeded to assess Private First Class Light’s wounds while receiving effective mortar, RPG, machine gun, and small arms fire. Once First Sergeant Caylor stabilized the casualty, he moved him back to a covered position, employing hand held smoke to conceal his movement back to the gator. Once again, exposing himself to hostile fire, he supervised Private First Class Light’s evacuation to an ambulance exchange point. First Sergeant Caylor’s actions greatly contributed in saving the life of a fellow paratrooper and significantly contributed to B Company’s success. His actions bring great credit upon himself, the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.