Richard E. Cavazos

U.S. Army general

Richard Edward Cavazos (January 31, 1929 – October 29, 2017), was a United States Army four-star general. He was a Korean War recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross as a first lieutenant. He advanced in rank to become the United States Army's first Hispanic four-star general.[1]

Richard E. Cavazos
General Richard E. Cavazos
Birth nameRichard Edward Cavazos
Born(1929-01-31)January 31, 1929
Kingsville, Texas, U.S.
DiedOctober 29, 2017(2017-10-29) (aged 88)
San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchU.S. Army
Years of service1951–1984
RankGeneral
Unit65th Infantry (Korean War)
Commands held1st Battalion, 18th Infantry (1967)
2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry (1976)
9th Infantry Division (1977–1980)
III Corps (1980–1982)
FORSCOM (1982–1984)
Battles/warsKorean War
Vietnam War
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross (2) Silver Star (2)
Legion of Merit (2)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device (5)
Purple Heart
Air Medal with Valor Device (9)
Other workTexas Tech Board of Regents

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.[2]

Cavazos served for thirty-three years, with his final command as head of the U.S. Army Forces Command.

Cavazos died at the age of 88 in San Antonio, Texas on October 29, 2017 from complications of Alzheimer's disease.[3]

References change