Richard E. Cavazos
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 | |
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Birth name | Richard Edward Cavazos |
Born | Kingsville, Texas, U.S. | January 31, 1929
Died | October 29, 2017 San Antonio, Texas, U.S. | (aged 88)
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | U.S. Army |
Years of service | 1951–1984 |
Rank | General |
Unit | 65th Infantry (Korean War) |
Commands held | 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry (1967) 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry (1976) 9th Infantry Division (1977–1980) III Corps (1980–1982) FORSCOM (1982–1984) |
Battles/wars | Korean War Vietnam War |
Awards | Distinguished 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 work | Texas 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]