Oscar R. Cauldwell

Oscar Ray Cauldwell
Born	(1892-08-24)August 24, 1892 Nyesville, Indiana
Died	September 8, 1959(1959-09-08) (aged 67) Hartford, Connecticut
Place of Burial	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1916–1946
Rank	Major General
Service number	0-156
Commands held	ADC of 3rd Marine Division 3rd Marine Regiment
Battles/wars	World War I Battle of Belleau Wood Haitian Campaign World War II Bougainville Campaign Battle of Koromokina Lagoon
Awards	Silver Star Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart

Oscar Ray Cauldwell (August 24, 1892 - September 8, 1959) was an Officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Major General, who served as Assistant Division Commander of 3rd Marine Division and later as Commanding General of the Training Command, Fleet Marine Force, San Diego during World War II.

Pacific War

In May 1939, Cauldwell was assigned again at Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he attended Advanced course. He graduated from the course one year later and was assigned to the Staff of Naval War College. During his studies, Cauldwell was promoted to the rank of Colonel on 1 July 1939.

He left Naval War College in March 1942, when he was transferred for brief period to the Administrative Command, Amphibious Force Atlantic Fleet. But in June 1942, Cauldwell was transferred to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he took command of 3rd Marine Regiment. The 3rd Regiment was deployed to American Samoa in September 1942 and subsequently was reassigned to the 3rd Marine Division in May 1943.

Cauldwell was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General on 26 October 1942 and was appointed Assistant Division Commander of 3rd Marine Division in September 1943. He served in this capacity during Bougainville Campaign and personally distinguished himself, while commanding his units during the Battle of Koromokina Lagoon. Cauldwell was subsequently decorated with Silver Star for his leadership and gallantry in action.

Silver Star citation

His official Silver Star citation reads follows:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Brigadier General Oscar Ray Cauldwell (MCSN: 0-156), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Division Commander, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of the Koromokima Lagoon, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, November 7, 1943. Realizing the acute dangers facing expected Army reinforcements, Brigadier General Cauldwell proceeded in the face of concentrated enemy rifle and machine-gun fire to an advance command post which was at that time only seventy-five yards behind the front lines. When Japanese snipers armed with machine guns infiltrated through to the command post, engaging headquarters personnel in a fire fight, Brigadier General Cauldwell remained at his position despite the lack of cover or protection from hostile fire, advising and assisting the launching of a coordinated attack which ultimately destroyed the hostile forces. Ignoring torrential rains and defying enemy opposition, he refused to leave the scene of battle until the flank of the beachhead had been secured. His resolute determination, cool courage and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

— Admiral William Halsey Jr., Commander South Pacific

Stateside service

In January 1944, Cauldwell was reassigned back to the United States and was subsequently assigned to the Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., where he stayed until April. He was then appointed Commanding General of the Training Command, Fleet Marine Force at San Diego. His main responsibility was to supervise the Training of Replacements units for Marine units serving overseas. Cauldwell also supervised the Training of the 5th Marine Division, which preparing for Pacific Theater. He was decorated with Bronze Star Medal for his service, while coordinated the training of Marine units at Palmyra Atoll.

Cauldwell served in this capacity until September 1945, when he was hospitalized at Naval Hospital, San Diego with sinus condition. He was placed on the retired list on May 1, 1946 and was also advanced to the rank of Major General for having been specially commended in combat.

Decorations

1st Row	Silver Star
2nd Row	Bronze Star Medal				Purple Heart				Navy Unit Commendation				Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
3rd Row	World War I Victory Medal with two battle clasps				Army of Occupation of Germany Medal				American Defense Service Medal				American Campaign Medal
4th Row	Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one 3/16 inch service stars				World War II Victory Medal				Haitian National Order of Honour and Merit				Haitian Distinguished Service Medal with Diploma