Richard E. Cavazos


Richard Edward Cavazos, was a United States Army four-star general. He was a Korean War recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross as a first lieutenant and advanced in rank to become the United States Army's first Hispanic four-star general. During the Vietnam War, as a lieutenant colonel, Cavazos was awarded a second Distinguished Service Cross. In 1976, Cavazos became the first Mexican American to reach the rank of brigadier general in the U.S. Army. Cavazos served for thirty-three years, with his final command as head of the U.S. Army Forces Command.

Biography

Richard Cavazos, a Mexican-American, was born on January 31, 1929, in Kingsville, Texas. His brother is former U.S. Secretary of Education Lauro Cavazos. He graduated as the distinguished graduate from the ROTC program at Texas Technological University in 1951. He then earned a B.S. degree in geology from Texas Technological College in 1951, where he played on the football team and was a distinguished graduate of the ROTC program. He received further military education at the U.S. Army Command and Staff College, the British Army Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the U.S. Army War College. He received basic officer training at Fort Benning, Georgia, followed by training at Airborne School. He then deployed to Korea with the 65th Infantry.

Korean War

During the Korean War, as a member of the 65th Infantry Regiment, a unit of mostly natives of Puerto Rico, he distinguished himself, receiving both the Silver Star and Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic actions.
On February 25, 1953, Cavazos' Company E was attacked by the enemy. During the fight against a numerically superior enemy force, Cavazos distinguished himself and received the Silver Star for his actions. His company was able to emerge victorious from the battle. On June 14, 1953, Cavazos again distinguished himself during an attack on Hill 142, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic actions on that day.

Distinguished Service Cross citation (first award)

On September 10, 1953, per General Orders No. 832, Cavazos was awarded his first Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the Korean War. His citation reads:

Vietnam War

In February 1967, Cavazos, then a lieutenant colonel, became commander of the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment. In October and November 1967, his battalion was engaged in fighting near the Cambodian border. During an attack at Loc Ninh in October 1967, his unit was able to repulse the enemy. For his valiant leadership at Loc Ninh, he was awarded a second Distinguished Service Cross.

Distinguished Service Cross citation (second award)

On December 17, 1967, per General Orders No. 6479, Lieutenant Colonel Cavazos was awarded his second Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on October 30, 1967. His citation reads:

Post-Vietnam

After Vietnam, Cavazos served as commander of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, and commander, 9th Infantry Division.
In 1976, Cavazos became the first Hispanic to reach the rank of brigadier general in the U.S. Army. In 1980, he became commander of III Corps — and is recognized for his innovative leadership of the Corps.
In 1982, Cavazos again made military history by being appointed the Army's first Hispanic four-star general. The same year, Cavazos assumed command of the U.S. Army Forces Command. His early support for the National Training Center and his involvement in the development of the Battle Command Training Program enormously influenced the war fighting capabilities of the U.S. Army.
On June 17, 1984, after thirty three years of distinguished service, General Cavazos retired from the U.S. Army.

In retirement

In 1985, Cavazos was appointed to the Chemical Warfare Review Committee by President Reagan. Cavazos served on the Board of Regents of his alma mater, Texas Tech University.

Personal

Born in Kingsville, TX, Cavazos grew up on King Ranch. Cavazos was married with four children. He resided in San Antonio, Texas.
He was the brother of Lauro Cavazos, former Texas Tech University President and former U.S. Secretary of Education.
Cavazos died at the age of 88 in San Antonio on October 29, 2017, due to complications of Alzheimer's disease. He is buried with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Awards and decorations

Cavazos' military awards include two Distinguished Service Crosses, Army Distinguished Service Medal, a Silver Star,Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legion of Merit awards, five Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, a Parachutist Badge. Cavazos has also been awarded an honorary lifetime membership in the National Guard Association of Texas; was inducted into the Fort Leavenworth Hall of Fame and Ranger Regiment Association Hall of Fame; and received the Doughboy Award of National Infantry Association, 1991.