James R. Caldwell (November 1, 1778 - August 7, 1804)[1] was an officer in the United States Navy who served in the Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War.

During the Quasi-War with France, he served in the frigate United States, schooner Experiment and armed ship Ganges in the West Indies.

In mid-1803, he returned to the Mediterranean in the brig Siren to participate in further operations against that piratical North African state.

Caldwell distinguished himself in a boat action on 7 July 1804 and also took part in an attack on 3 August that resulted in the capture of three vessels that were taken into the Navy as gunboats.

[1] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Naval History and Heritage Command.