On January 3, 2025, former President Joe Biden honored seven military personnel with Medals of Honor, acknowledging their extraordinary contributions.
Among the posthumous recipients was Richard Cavazos, a pioneering figure in American military history.
Cavazos not only made his mark in two major conflicts but also became the first Hispanic American to be promoted to the rank of brigadier general and later achieved four-star general status in the U.S. Army.
Early Life and Education
Born into a Mexican-American family on January 31, 1929, in Kingsville, Texas, Richard Cavazos was the son of a cattle ranch foreman who was committed to providing his children with educational opportunities.
Although he began his journey working on the ranch, Richard’s life took a turn when he earned a football scholarship to Texas Technological College.
However, an injury during his sophomore year redirected his path to the military, and he subsequently joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps while completing his degree in geology.
Service and Leadership
The outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 prompted Cavazos to receive his commission in the U.S. Army in 1951.
He underwent training at what is now Fort Moore, Georgia, and was assigned to E Company of the 2nd Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment.
This unit, known as the “Borinqueneers,” mainly comprised Puerto Rican soldiers.
Cavazos’s fluency in both English and Spanish made him an essential asset, enabling effective communication between his officers and the predominantly Spanish-speaking soldiers.
Cavazos firmly believed in leading through moral authority and building trust with his troops.
This principle became evident during a fierce encounter on February 25, 1953, in Korea.
In the heat of battle, he not only rallied his men against enemy forces but also displayed exceptional bravery when he found a wounded Chinese soldier.
Instead of abandoning the soldier, Cavazos chose to escort him to safety, providing invaluable intelligence despite the ongoing gunfire.
This courageous act earned him the Silver Star.
His leadership blossomed further in a critical operation on the night of June 14, 1953.
Assigned to assault Hill 412, Cavazos and his company faced intense enemy resistance.
Over three grueling hours, they repeatedly pushed back against hostile positions.
In a moment of selflessness, while ordering his men to retreat to safety, Cavazos stayed behind to rescue five wounded soldiers, only seeking medical treatment for himself after ensuring the well-being of others.
This valor drew commendation in the form of the Distinguished Service Cross awarded on September 10, 1953.
Legacy and Recognition
Following his time in Korea, Cavazos returned to Fort Hood in Texas, where he took command of the 25th Armored Infantry Battalion within the 1st Armored Division.
By February 1967, having risen to lieutenant colonel, he was deployed to Vietnam, leading the 1st Battalion of the 18th Regiment.
Known for his hands-on approach, he engaged directly with his men rather than commanding from the backlines, as observed by fellow soldiers.
During the harrowing air assault of Operation Shenandoah II on October 4, 1967, Cavazos demonstrated exceptional tactical skill under fire.
Two days later, when his unit encountered an ambush by Viet Cong forces, he quickly orchestrated a counterattack, resulting in heavy enemy casualties—reports indicated the death of 59 Viet Cong soldiers.
His strategic acumen shone through as he coordinated U.S. air support and counterattacks in subsequent confrontations, contributing to crucial victories.
Once back in the United States, Cavazos played a pivotal role in shaping the Army’s Battle Command Training Program, mentoring future military leaders, including General Colin Powell.
He broke new ground in 1976 when he became the first Hispanic American to hold the title of brigadier general and later ascended to four-star general in 1982.
His groundbreaking achievements inspired countless Hispanic youths to pursue careers in the military.
General Richard E. Cavazos retired on June 17, 1984, after a distinguished 33 years of service.
A year later, President Ronald Reagan appointed him to the Chemical Warfare Review Committee, and he later served on the Board of Regents at his beloved Texas Tech University.
Cavazos passed away on October 29, 2017, in San Antonio after battling complications from Alzheimer’s disease, and he was laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
In recognition of his monumental legacy, Fort Hood was renamed Fort Cavazos in May 2023.
Additionally, on January 3, 2025, his Distinguished Service Cross for exceptional leadership during combat on October 30, 1967, was upgraded to the Medal of Honor, forever cementing his place in military history.
Source: Militarytimes