Richard E. Cavazos

Richard Edward Cavazos (31 January 1929 – 29 October 2017) was a United States Army four-star general. He was a Korean War recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross as a first lieutenant and advanced in rank to become the United States Army's first Hispanic four-star general. 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 United States Army. Cavazos served for 33 years, with his final command as head of the United States Army Forces Command. On 25 May 2022, The Naming Commission recommended that Fort Hood be renamed to Fort Cavazos, in recognition of Cavazos' military service. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the renaming on 6 October 2022. The re-designation as Fort Cavazos occurred on 9 May 2023, although in 2025 it was renamed Fort Hood. Cavazos' Korean War Distinguished Service Cross was upgraded to the Medal of Honor and posthumously awarded to him on 3 January 2025.

Early life and education Richard Cavazos, a Mexican-American, was born on 31 January 1929, in Kingsville, Texas. His brother was former United States Secretary of Education, Lauro Cavazos. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University) in 1951, where he played on the football team and was a distinguished graduate of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. He received further military education at the Command and General Staff College, the British Army Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the United States Army War College. He received basic officer training at Fort Benning, Georgia, followed by training at Airborne School. He then deployed to Korea with the 65th Infantry.

Military career Korean War During the Korean War, as a member of the 65th Infantry Regiment, a unit of mostly natives of Puerto Rico, he distinguished himself, receiving both Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star for his heroic actions. On January 3, 2025 his DSC was upgraded to the Medal of Honor.

On 25 February 1953, Cavazos's Company E was attacked by the enemy. During the fight against a numerically superior enemy force, Cavazos distinguished himself and received the Silver Star for his actions. His company was able to emerge victorious from the battle.

Post-Vietnam After Vietnam, Cavazos served as commander of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, and commander, 9th Infantry Division.

In 1976, Cavazos became the first Hispanic to reach the rank of brigadier general in the United States Army.

In 1982, Cavazos again made military history by being appointed the army's first Hispanic four-star general. Cavazos was married with four children. He resided in San Antonio, Texas.

He was the brother of Lauro Cavazos, former Texas Tech University president and former United States Secretary of Education.

Cavazos died at the age of 88 in San Antonio on 29 October 2017, due to complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was buried with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Medal of Honor citation

Awards and Decorations Cavazos's military awards include the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Army Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Stars, Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legion of Merit awards, five Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. Cavazos was also awarded an honorary lifetime membership in the National Guard Association of Texas; was inducted into the Fort Leavenworth Hall of Fame and Ranger Regiment Association Hall of Fame; and received the Doughboy Award of National Infantry Association, 1991.

On 25 May 2022, the Naming Commission recommended that Fort Hood be renamed to Fort Cavazos, in recognition of Cavazos's military service.