Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Eugene Meade Caffey, United States Army, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the 1st Engineer Special Brigade from 1943 to 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Caffey and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Corps of Engineers)

    Regiment:

    1st Engineer Special Brigade (Separate)

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944

    Headquarters, Theater Service Forces, European Theater, General Orders No. 161 (August 4, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Eugene Mead Caffey, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Engineer Special Brigade, in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944, France. Colonel Caffey landed with the first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy-held beaches. Finding that the landing had been made on other than the planned beaches, he selected appropriate landing beaches, redistributed the area assigned to shore parties of the 1st Engineer Special Brigade, and set them at work to establish routes inland through the sea wall and minefields to insure the rapid landing and passage inshore of the following waves. He frequently went on the beaches under heavy shell fire to force incoming troops to disperse and move promptly off the shore and away from the water sides to places of concealment and greater safety further back. His courage and his presence in the very front of the attack, coupled with his calm disregard of hostile fire, inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Under his experienced and unfaltering leadership, the initial error in landing off-course was promptly overcome, confusion was prevented, and the forces necessary to a victorious assault were successfully and expeditiously landed and cleared from the beaches with a minimum of casualties. He thus contributed, in a marked degree, to the seizing of the beachhead in France. Colonel Caffey’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Corps of Engineers)

    Regiment:

    20th Engineer Combat Regiment

    Action Date:

    1941 – 1943

    Unites States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Eugene Meade Caffey, United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the 20th Engineer Combat Regiment from 1941 to 1943. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Caffey and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Corps of Engineers)

    Regiment:

    1st Engineer Special Brigade

    Action Date:

    1943 – 1945

    Unites States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Eugene Meade Caffey, United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the 1st Engineer Special Brigade from 1943 to 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Caffey and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Corps of Engineers)

    Regiment:

    20th Engineer Combat Regiment

    Division:

    9th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 39 (1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Eugene Mead Caffey, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 20th Engineer Combat Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa, in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Caffey, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.