The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Edgardo Caceres (MCSN: 2108262), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, in connection with operations against insurgent forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 May 1966 while on patrol, Lance Corporal Caceres along with other members of his squad were fiercely engaged by a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Responding to the commands of his squad leader without hesitation, Lance Corporal Caceres established a base of fire with his machine gun, and his personal example and bold courage provided an inspiration to the other members of his squad. Although wounded several times by enemy fire, Lance Corporal Caceres succeeded in repelling the enemy’s charges time and time again with his killing machine gun fire. Accounting for over 35 enemy dead, his actions were instrumental in sustaining the other members of his squad until they ultimately fell mortally wounded. When finally expending his ammunition and with the other members of his squad no longer living, Lance Corporal Caceres himself fell mortally wounded. By his daring actions and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Caceres upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.