The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Crayton Lowell Caldwell (MCSN: 1196254), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while attached to Battery D, Second Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), and serving as a wireman on an artillery observation team of a Marine Rifle Company in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 6 October 1952. Volunteering to serve as a relief on an outpost, Corporal Caldwell immediately assumed the duties of the forward observer, who had become a casualty, and exposed himself to intense enemy sniper and mortar fire to adjust artillery fire on the enemy. When enemy forces launched a furious attack on the outpost, he called friendly artillery fire upon his own position which the enemy had overrun, steadfastly remaining exposed to hostile fire until he was mortally wounded by an enemy mortar shell. By his exceptional courage, daring initiative and unyielding devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds, Corporal Caldwell served to inspire all who observed him and was instrumental in accounting for many enemy dead. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.