Jon R. Cavaiani

Jonathan Robert Cavaiani was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War. Serving as a platoon leader to a security platoon providing security for an isolated radio relay site in enemy-held territory, Cavaiani demonstrated extreme bravery on June 4 and 5, 1971. When the camp came under intense assault, he repeatedly exposed himself to heavy fire to direct defenses, and later volunteered to remain on the ground to guide evacuation helicopters.

During a final enemy assault on the morning of June 5, Cavaiani ordered the remaining members of his platoon to escape while he provided cover fire. Armed with a machine gun, he stood fully exposed to sweep the advancing enemy ranks, allowing the majority of his platoon to escape while sustaining numerous wounds. He was subsequently captured and held as a prisoner of war.

President Gerald Ford presented Cavaiani with the Medal of Honor on December 12, 1974. Following his release and recovery, Cavaiani continued his military career, eventually reaching the rank of sergeant major before retiring from the Army in 1990.