Richard E. Cavazos

Wounded, He Returned Under Fire to Bring His Men Home

Richard Edward Cavazos, Medal of Honor recipient and the United States Army’s first Hispanic four-star general, built his reputation by sharing the dangers faced by his soldiers. In Korea, he repeatedly returned to a battlefield to rescue missing men despite his own wounds. In Vietnam, he again led from the front, earning another of the nation’s highest decorations for combat heroism.

Born on 31 January 1929 in Kingsville, Texas, Cavazos grew up in a Mexican-American family on a cattle ranch. He attended Texas Technological College, now Texas Tech University, earned a degree in geology and received his Army commission through ROTC in 1951.

During the Korean War, Cavazos served with the predominantly Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers. His ability to speak Spanish helped him communicate with his soldiers and build the trust that became a hallmark of his leadership.

On the night of 14–15 June 1953, near Sagimak, First Lieutenant Cavazos commanded Company E, 2nd Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, during repeated assaults against an entrenched enemy position. Under intense mortar and artillery fire, he directed close combat and encouraged his men through successive attacks.

When ordered to withdraw, Cavazos brought his company back but returned to search for soldiers who had become separated. He led two groups to safety, then made two further unassisted trips onto the battlefield. Only after satisfying himself that no men remained did he allow his own wounds to be treated. Initially awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, his actions were recognized with a posthumous Medal of Honor on 3 January 2025. His daughter, Laura Blevins, accepted the award from President Joe Biden.

In Vietnam in 1967, Lieutenant Colonel Cavazos commanded the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment. During fighting near Loc Ninh, he exposed himself to enemy fire while leading a counterattack and directing supporting artillery. His leadership earned a second Distinguished Service Cross. Following the upgrade of his Korean War award, his decorations include the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross for Vietnam.

Cavazos became the Army’s first Hispanic brigadier general in 1976 and its first Hispanic four-star general in 1982. His final assignment was commanding United States Army Forces Command. Beyond his battlefield achievements, he helped improve Army training and mentored officers who carried his example into their own commands.

He retired on 30 June 1984 after 33 years of service and died in 2017, aged 88. On 9 May 2023, Fort Hood was renamed Fort Cavazos in his honour. The installation was subsequently renamed Fort Hood on 11 June 2025, this time honouring World War I soldier Colonel Robert B. Hood.

Cavazos’s enduring legacy rests in the soldiers he brought home and the generations of Army leaders shaped by his courage, trust and personal example.