Who was Richard Cavazos?
Richard Cavazos was a United States Army 4-star general who served for 33 years, from 1951 to 1984. He was the first Hispanic to reach the rank of brigadier general, and later the first Hispanic to become a four-star general in the U.S. Army. He was also one of the most highly decorated veterans, receiving two Distinguished Service Crosses, two Silver Stars, a Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, a Distinguished Flying Cross, five Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart, among other awards. He commanded various units in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and his final command was the United States Army Forces Command. In 2022, the Defense Secretary ordered the renaming of Fort Hood to Fort Cavazos, in recognition of his military service.
How did Richard Cavazos die?
Richard Cavazos died on October 29, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 88. He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for a long time, and his condition had deteriorated in the last years of his life. He was buried with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on November 14, 2017.
Why is Richard Cavazos important?
Richard Cavazos was a trailblazer for generations of other Hispanic general officers and soldiers. He was a role model and a mentor for many who admired his courage, leadership, and professionalism. He was also a pioneer in promoting diversity and inclusion in the Army, and advocated for the recruitment and retention of Hispanic personnel. He was a respected and revered figure in the military and civilian communities, and his legacy lives on in the Army and the nation.
According to Wikipedia, Cavazos was a Mexican-American who was born in Kingsville, Texas, on January 31, 1929. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1951, where he played on the football team and was a distinguished graduate of the ROTC program. He received further military education at various staff and war colleges, and also attended the British Army Staff College. He was married to Caroline Dunn Cavazos, and they had two sons, Richard Jr. and Tommy.
According to AP News, Cavazos distinguished himself in combat in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, earning the nation’s second-highest medal for valor in both conflicts. He was a member of the 65th Infantry Regiment, a unit of mostly Puerto Ricans, in Korea, and he commanded the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, and later the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, in Vietnam. He was known for his tactical skills and his willingness to share the dangers and hardships with his troops. He was also praised for his innovative and adaptive approach to warfare, and his ability to integrate air, artillery, and ground forces.
According to the National Museum of the United States Army, Cavazos held various command and staff positions throughout his career, including the 9th Infantry Division, the III Corps, and the United States Army Forces Command. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, and the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel. He was instrumental in developing and implementing the Army’s modernization and readiness programs, and he oversaw the transition of the Army from a conscript to an all-volunteer force. He retired from active duty in 1984, and continued to serve as a member of the Texas Tech Board of Regents and various advisory boards and committees.
According to the San Antonio Express-News, Cavazos was honored and remembered by many former colleagues, friends, and family members, who described him as a humble, gracious, and generous man. He was also recognized by various organizations and institutions, such as the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, the Texas Tech University, and the U.S. Army. He received numerous awards and honors, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Graduate Award from the Association of the U.S. Army, and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Texas Tech University. He was also inducted into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame, the Fort Leavenworth Hall of Fame, and the Texas Military Hall of Honor.
