Richard E. Cavazos

Richard E. Cavazos
C.R. Bruce · Public domain · source
Name	Richard E. Cavazos
Birth date	January 31, 1929
Death date	October 29, 2017
Birth place	Kingsville, Texas
Death place	San Antonio, Texas
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Army
Serviceyears	1951–1984
Rank	General
Commands	United States Army Forces Command, III Corps, 9th Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division
Battles	Korean War, Vietnam War
Awards	Distinguished Service Cross (2), Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit (2), Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal (5), Purple Heart (2)

Richard E. Cavazos. Richard Edward Cavazos was a highly decorated officer in the United States Army who became the first Hispanic to attain the rank of four-star general. His distinguished career spanned over three decades, including combat command in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, where his leadership and valor were recognized with the nation's second-highest award for bravery. Cavazos later commanded major formations like the III Corps and ultimately led the United States Army Forces Command, shaping the readiness of the United States Army Reserve and the Army National Guard.

Early life and education

Richard Edward Cavazos was born on January 31, 1929, in Kingsville, Texas, to Lauro F. Cavazos Sr., a longtime foreman at the King Ranch. He grew up alongside his brother, future United States Secretary of Education Lauro Cavazos. Cavazos attended Texas Technological College, now Texas Tech University, where he participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps and graduated in 1951 with a degree in geology. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army through the ROTC program, beginning a pioneering military journey.

Military career

Cavazos's initial combat experience came during the Korean War, where he served as a platoon leader with the 65th Infantry Regiment, a unit primarily composed of Puerto Ricans. For extraordinary heroism in 1953 during the Battle of Outpost Harry, he was awarded his first Distinguished Service Cross. He later attended the United States Army Command and General Staff College and the Armed Forces Staff College. During the Vietnam War, Cavazos commanded the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment and later the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division. His actions in 1967, including leading a risky helicopter assault under fire, earned him a second Distinguished Service Cross.

His post-Vietnam War assignments included key roles at the Pentagon and command of the 9th Infantry Division at Fort Lewis. In 1980, he took command of III Corps and Fort Hood in Texas. His exceptional service culminated in his 1982 promotion to general and appointment as commanding general of the United States Army Forces Command at Fort McPherson, Georgia, overseeing all stateside combat forces. He retired from active duty in 1984 after 33 years of service.

Awards and decorations

General Cavazos's personal decorations are a testament to his repeated combat heroism and distinguished service. His two awards of the Distinguished Service Cross place him among the most decorated soldiers of the modern era. His other U.S. military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, five Bronze Star Medals, and two Purple Hearts. He also received the Combat Infantryman Badge with star and was a recipient of the Order of Military Merit from the Republic of Korea.

Later life and legacy

Following his retirement, Cavazos resided in San Antonio, Texas. He remained engaged with the military community, offering mentorship and participating in events at institutions like the United States Army Command and General Staff College. He passed away on October 29, 2017, and was interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. His legacy as a trailblazer is honored through the General Richard E. Cavazos Award presented by the Association of the United States Army, and the naming of facilities such as Cavazos Hall at Texas Tech University. His career profoundly impacted the United States Army and inspired generations of Hispanic service members.

Category:United States Army generals Category:American military personnel of the Korean War Category:American military personnel of the Vietnam War