General Richard Edward Cavazos was born in Kingsville, Texas, to Mexican-American parents. His father was a World War I veteran who worked on a cattle ranch and saved enough money to send his son to college, a rare accomplishment for that time. Cavazos attended Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University) and graduated through the school’s ROTC program. In Korea, Cavazos served with the legendary 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers. He earned the Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism at Outpost Harry in June 1953. During the Vietnam War, Cavazos was awarded a second Distinguished Service Cross. In 1976, he became the first Mexican-American to reach the rank of brigadier general. In all, Cavazos served for 33 years. In 2022, Fort Hood was renamed to Fort Cavazos, in recognition of Cavazos’ pioneering service. On January 3, 2025, his Korean War Distinguished Service Cross was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. 

Richard Edward Cavazos is a Notable burial at https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftsamhouston.asp   He was born in Kingsville, Texas, in 1929, and grew up on the King Ranch where his father, World War I veteran Lauro, was the cattle foreman. Cavazos graduated from Texas Tech University in 1951, and as part of the ROTC program, also received his army commission. During the Korean War, 1st Lieutenant Cavazos served with the 65th Infantry Regiment (Borinqueneers) and for his actions in battle received the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star. In Vietnam, Cavazos commanded the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, and received a second Distinguished Service Cross, among other medals, for his bravery. Cavazos became the first U.S. Army general of Hispanic heritage in 1976 and went on to command the III Corps based at Fort Hood. General Cavazos retired in 1984. He died October 29, 2017.  https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/5075    
*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. 

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

Service Narrative by the National Museum of the US Army

Grave marker image for (RICHARD CAVAZOS).

In 1976, Cavazos became the first Hispanic to reach the rank of Brigadier General in the @USArmy. In 1980, he became Commander of III Corps. In 1982, Cavazos again made history by being appointed the Army's first Hispanic four-star general.

Cavazos, a Mexican-American, was born, Jan. 31, 1929, in Kingsville, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Science in geology from Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University) in 1951, and also played football.  He received basic officer training at Fort Benning, Georgia, followed by training at Airborne School. He then deployed to Korea with the 65th Infantry.

He 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. 

Cavazos served as commander of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, and commander, 9th Infantry Division. He served for 33 years, with his final command as head of the United States Army Forces Command. On May 25, 2022, the Naming Commission recommended that Fort Hood be renamed to Fort Cavazos, in recognition of Cavazos' service. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the renaming, Oct. 6, 2022, and the re-designation as Fort Cavazos occurred, May 9, 2023.


RICHARD EDWARD CAVAZOS

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