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In the annals of American military history, Gen. Richard Cavazos occupies a singular place. A two-time recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, Cavazos became the first Hispanic officer to reach four-star rank in the U.S. Army, in 1982. One of the most highly decorated soldiers of the Korean and Vietnam wars, Cavazos led by example and instilled confidence in future generations of American soldiers.
In today's Army, his legacy serves as a shining example of the warrior spirit. What made Cavazos unique was the importance he attached to a commander's role as a trainer and a mentor for Army leaders. Nearly three years after Cavazos' death in October 2017, it is time to reassess this legendary officer's contribution to the modern force.
Born on Jan. 31, 1929, the second son of a Texas cowhand at the King Ranch in Texas, Cavazos received his commission as second lieutenant of infantry in 1951 from the Texas Technological University ROTC. Upon graduation, Cavazos attended the Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, and volunteered for a combat assignment in the Republic of Korea. Deploying to Korea in the autumn of 1952, Cavazos joined the 65th Infantry Regiment, "The Borinque-neers," a regiment assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division. Before it had been reorganized prior to Cavazos's arrival, the Borinqueneers were part of the Puerto Rico National Guard and had compiled a distinguished combat record. According to one observer, Cavazos "was a natural leader, as drawn to soldiers as they were to him."
Combat Heroism
On the night of Feb. 25, 1953, a large Chinese force attacked Cavazos' company. The company repelled the enemy assault and inflicted numerous casualties. By the light of a flare, Cavazos observed a wounded enemy soldier in front of his position. Receiving permission from his company commander, Cavazos led a patrol to secure the fallen soldier. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Cavazos continued alone through intense enemy fire to capture and return with the enemy soldier. For his action, Cavazos received his first Silver Star.
Four months later, on June 14, Cavazos, now commanding Company E, led his unit in a series of company-sized raids in the vicinity of Sagi-mak, each time inflicting numerous casualties on the enemy. His extraordinary heroism in...