Captain R. H. CALDWELL, received the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PETO, during the Seventh War Patrol of that vessel in enemy Japanese controlled waters in the Pacific Ocean Area, from October 23 to December 6, 1944. A skilled and aggressive leader, Commander Caldwell penetrated strong enemy escort screens to launch repeated strikes against enemy shipping and, by his expert ship-handling, contributed materially to the success of the PETO in sinking more than 28,000 tons of enemy shipping and in evading severe hostile countermeasures. His devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself and, the United States Naval Service.

Captain Caldwell joined the Legion of Valor in 1962 and resided in California.