"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a machine Gunner with Company K, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 15 September 1969, during Operation Idaho Canyon, the point squad of a Company K platoon was engaged in a search and destroy operation in the vicinity of Mutter’s Ridge in Quang Tri Province was moving up a trail when it came under intense fire from a well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force utilizing directional mines, hand grenades, and machine guns. The initial burst of fire wounded several Marines, pinned the squad down on the top of a hill, and cut it off from the rest of the platoon. Realizing the necessity of quickly establishing a base of fire to suppress the extremely heavy volume of hostile fire, Private First Class Caple completely disregarded his own safety as he unhesitatingly moved across the fire-swept terrain and up the trail until he reached the embattled Marines on the hilltop. Undaunted by the enemy round impacting around him, he quickly placed his machine gun at a dangerously exposed vantage point and fearlessly remained in his precarious position to deliver machine gun fire with such accuracy and devastating effectiveness that the fire from two of the enemy machine guns was silenced, enabling the reaction platoon to join the lead platoon, extract the casualties and secure the top of the hill. Although critically wounded, Private First Class Caple resolutely continued to deliver suppressive fire until, weakened by his wounds, he could no longer man his weapon. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Private First Class Caple inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."

FOR THE PRESIDENT

H. W. BUSE, JR

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC

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