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 United States Army. Cavazos served for 33 years, with his final command as head of the United States Army Forces Command. On 25 May 2022, The Naming Commission recommended that Fort Hood be renamed to Fort Cavazos, in recognition of Cavazos' military service. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the renaming on 6 October 2022. The re-designation as Fort Cavazos occurred on 9 May 2023. Cavazos' Korean War Distinguished Service Cross was upgraded to the Medal of Honor and posthumously awarded to him on 3 January 2025.
Early life and education
Richard Cavazos, a Mexican-American, was born on 31 January 1929, in Kingsville, Texas. His brother was former United States Secretary of Education, Lauro Cavazos. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Texas Technological College in 1951, where he played on the football team and was a distinguished graduate of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. He received further military education at the Command and General Staff College, the British Army Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the United States 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.Military career
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 Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star for his heroic actions. On January 3, 2025 his DSC was upgraded to the Medal of Honor.On 25 February 1953, Cavazos's 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 14 June 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.
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 17 December 1967, per General Orders No. 6479, Lieutenant Colonel Cavazos was awarded his second Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on 30 October 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 United States Army. In 1980, he became commander of III 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 United States 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 United States Army.
On 17 June 1984, after thirty-three years of distinguished service, General Cavazos retired from the United States 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 life
Born in Kingsville, Texas, 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 United States Secretary of Education.
Cavazos died at the age of 88 in San Antonio on 29 October 2017, due to complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was buried with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Awards and decorations
Cavazos's military awards include the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Army Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Stars, Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legion of Merit awards, five Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. Cavazos was also 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.Medal of Honor citation
Naming of Fort Cavazos
The 2021 Defense Authorization Act directed the removal of names that "honor or commemorate the Confederate States of America." A goal of the Naming Commission is to inspire service members from diverse communities by giving military facilities "proud new names that are rooted in their local communities and that honor American heroes whose valor, courage, and patriotism exemplify the very best of the United States military."On 25 May 2022, the Naming Commission recommended that Fort Hood be renamed to Fort Cavazos, in recognition of Cavazos's military service. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the renaming on 6 October 2022.