Richard E. Cavazos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard E. Cavazos
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General Richard E. Cavazos
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| Born | January 31, 1929 Kingsville, Texas |
| Died | October 29, 2017 (aged 88) San Antonio, Texas |
| Buried |
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1951–1984 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | United States Army Forces Command (1982–84) III Corps (1980–82) 9th Infantry Division (1977–80) 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (1976) 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment (1967) |
| Battles/wars | Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross (2) Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (2) Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star Medal (5) Purple Heart |
| Other work | Texas Tech Board of Regents |
Richard Edward Cavazos (January 31, 1929 – October 29, 2017) was a very important four-star general in the United States Army. He was the first Hispanic person to become a four-star general in the Army.
General Cavazos was a hero in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross twice for his bravery. This is one of the highest awards for military heroism. He served his country for 33 years. His last big job was leading the United States Army Forces Command.
In 2022, a major Army base, Fort Hood, was renamed Fort Cavazos to honor his amazing service.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Richard Cavazos was born on January 31, 1929, in Kingsville, Texas. His family was Mexican-American. His brother, Lauro Cavazos, later became the U.S. Secretary of Education.
Richard went to Texas Technological College, which is now Texas Tech University. He studied geology and played on the school's football team. He was also a top student in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program. This program trains college students to become military officers.
After college, he continued his military training. He went to schools like the Command and General Staff College. He also trained at Airborne School to become a paratrooper.
Military Career Highlights
General Cavazos had a long and brave career in the Army. He fought in two major wars and rose through the ranks.
Heroism in the Korean War
During the Korean War, Richard Cavazos was a young officer. He was part of the 65th Infantry Regiment. This unit was known for its bravery.
In February 1953, his company was attacked by many enemy soldiers. Cavazos showed great courage and leadership during this fight. His actions helped his company win the battle. For this, he received the Silver Star. A few months later, in June 1953, he again showed amazing bravery during an attack on a hill. For his heroic actions that day, he earned his first Distinguished Service Cross.
Leadership in the Vietnam War
Later, in February 1967, Cavazos was a lieutenant colonel. He became the leader of the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment.
In October 1967, his battalion was fighting near the border of Cambodia. During a big battle at Loc Ninh, his unit successfully pushed back the enemy. Because of his strong leadership and courage during this battle, he was awarded his second Distinguished Service Cross.
Rising Through the Ranks
After the Vietnam War, Cavazos continued to serve with distinction. In 1976, he made history. He became the first Mexican-American to reach the rank of brigadier general in the U.S. Army.
In 1982, he made history again. He was promoted to a four-star general. This made him the first Hispanic four-star general in the Army. In the same year, he took command of the United States Army Forces Command. This is a very important job, overseeing many Army units. He helped improve how the Army trained its soldiers for battle.
General Cavazos retired from the Army on June 17, 1984. He had served for 33 years.
Life After the Army
After retiring, General Cavazos continued to serve his country. In 1985, President Ronald Reagan asked him to join the Chemical Warfare Review Committee. He also served on the Board of Regents for his old college, Texas Tech University. This board helps guide the university.
Personal Life and Legacy
Richard Cavazos grew up on the famous King Ranch in Texas. He was married and had four children. He lived in San Antonio, Texas.
His brother, Lauro Cavazos, was also a well-known figure. He was president of Texas Tech University and later served as the U.S. Secretary of Education.
General Cavazos passed away on October 29, 2017, at the age of 88. He was buried with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Awards and Honors
General Richard Cavazos received many awards for his bravery and service. Some of his most important awards include:
- Two Distinguished Service Crosses
- The Army Distinguished Service Medal
- Two Silver Stars
- The Defense Superior Service Medal
- Two Legion of Merit awards
- The Distinguished Flying Cross
- Five Bronze Star Medals
- The Purple Heart (given to soldiers wounded in combat)
- The Combat Infantryman Badge (for infantry soldiers in combat)
- The Parachutist Badge
He was also honored with an honorary lifetime membership in the National Guard Association of Texas. He was inducted into the Fort Leavenworth Hall of Fame. In 1991, he received the Doughboy Award from the National Infantry Association.
Renaming Fort Cavazos
In 2021, a new law was passed to change the names of military bases that honored people connected to the Confederate States of America. A group called The Naming Commission was formed to suggest new names. Their goal was to choose names that would inspire soldiers from all backgrounds. They wanted names that honored American heroes who showed great courage and patriotism.
On May 25, 2022, The Naming Commission suggested that Fort Hood be renamed Fort Cavazos. This was to recognize General Cavazos's amazing military service. On October 6, 2022, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin officially ordered the renaming.
See also
- Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal
