The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert Patrick Caldwell (MCSN: 2236993), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 March 1968, while conducting a search and destroy operation southeast of Phu Bai during Operation FORD, Private First Class Caldwell was point man for the lead element of Company C. Alertly observing a North Vietnamese Army soldier moving in a treeline to his direct front, he quickly shouted a warning to his squad and forced the enemy to commence its ambush before the Marines had entered the killing zone. Taking cover with two other men, he began directing a heavy volume of suppressive fire upon the hostile positions until his weapon became inoperable. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Private First Class Caldwell collected his companions’ hand grenades and, exposing himself to the intense fire, boldly ran forward throwing hand grenades at the enemy positions. Courageously continuing his determined assault until he was within twenty feet of a hostile machine gun emplacement, he accurately threw twelve hand grenades into the enemy position, destroying the machine gun and enabling his squad to advance. His heroic actions and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Caldwell upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.