10/13/2022
"SOLDIER PROFILE – GENERAL RICHARD E. CAVAZOS, FIRST HISPANIC FOUR-STAR GENERAL IN THE U.S. ARMY
Born to a Mexican-American family in Texas, Richard E. Cavazos followed in the footsteps of his father, a World War I veteran, and joined the U.S. Army. Graduating from his ROTC program with distinction, Cavazos was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in 1951.
Deployed to Korea to serve as a platoon leader in the Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment, 2LT. Cavazos led the majority-Hispanic unit in a series of heroic combat actions, earning a Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross.
Returning stateside in 1953, Cavazos continued rising through the ranks, and deployed to Vietnam in 1967 as a Lieutenant Colonel. While commanding the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, he continued to exhibit extraordinary bravery, leading his men on the frontlines in heavy combat against the North Vietnamese Army. LTC Cavazos earned his second Distinguished Service Cross for actions taken on 30 October 1967 during the First Battle of Loc Ninh, when he fearlessly led his men through withering fire against Viet Cong troops entrenched on a hillside.
In 1982, Cavazos shattered a glass ceiling by ascending to the rank of full General, becoming the first Hispanic American to wear four stars in U.S. Army history. General Cavazos led U.S. Army Forces Command until his retirement in 1984 after 33 years of superlative service to his country.
Cre: U.S. Army Center of Military History"
