Jon R. Cavaiani facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jon Robert Cavaiani
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Cavaiani in 2004
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| Born | August 2, 1943 Murphys, County Offaly, Ireland |
| Died | July 29, 2014 (aged 70) Stanford, California, United States |
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1969–1990 |
| Rank | Sergeant Major |
| Unit | 5th Special Forces Group 10th Special Forces Group MACV-SOG Delta Force |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Legion of Merit Bronze Star Purple Heart |
Jon Robert Cavaiani (born August 2, 1943 – died July 29, 2014) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He received the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military, the Medal of Honor, for his amazing actions during the Vietnam War.
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Life and Military Service
Jon Cavaiani was born in Murphys, County Offaly, Ireland. He moved to England shortly after. In 1947, he came to the United States. By 1953, he was living in Ballico, California, with his stepfather, Ugo Cavaiani.
Ugo formally adopted Jon in 1961. Jon became a U.S. citizen in 1968. In 1969, he joined the U.S. Army.
Heroic Actions in Vietnam
In 1970, Cavaiani was sent to Vietnam with the Special Forces. By June 1971, he was a Staff Sergeant. His unit was attacked by many enemy soldiers at Hill 950 in South Vietnam.
Cavaiani quickly organized his unit's defense. When helicopters came to rescue them, he chose to stay on the ground. He directed the helicopters, helping most of his platoon (a small group of soldiers) get to safety.
Cavaiani and a few other soldiers were left behind. The next morning, the enemy attacked again. Cavaiani bravely told the remaining men to escape. He stayed behind to provide suppressive fire (shooting to keep the enemy's heads down) so they could get away. He was then captured and became a prisoner of war for two years.
After His Capture
Jon Cavaiani was released in March 1973 during an event called Operation Homecoming. President Gerald Ford personally gave Cavaiani the Medal of Honor on December 12, 1974.
After Vietnam, Cavaiani served in many places, including the Middle East, South America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. He spent three years in Berlin, Germany. He also served with the 10th Special Forces Group.
From 1984 to 1989, Cavaiani was part of the Delta Force, a very special unit. He became the unit's Command Sergeant-Major. He retired from the Army in May 1990.
Later Life and Passing
After retiring, Cavaiani worked for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. This group helps people who have received the Medal of Honor. He also graduated from a culinary arts program.
Jon Cavaiani passed away on July 29, 2014, in Stanford, California. He was 70 years old. He had a blood disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special cemetery for military heroes.
Military Awards and Badges
Jon Cavaiani received many awards for his bravery and service. The highest was the Medal of Honor. He also earned the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal (with a "V" for valor, meaning bravery), and the Purple Heart (for being wounded in combat).
He was also proud to wear several special badges:
- The Combat Infantryman Badge, showing he fought in ground combat.
- The Pathfinder Badge, for guiding aircraft and troops.
- The Master Parachutist Badge, showing he was an expert at parachuting.
- The Special Forces Tab, showing he was part of the elite Special Forces.
He completed over 5,000 parachute jumps during his career!
Images for kids
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The Combat Infantryman Badge
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The Master Parachutist Badge
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The Pathfinder Badge
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The Special Forces Tab
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U.S. Army Special Forces Combat Service Identification Badge
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See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War
- List of Delta Force members
