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General Richard E. Cavazos

General Richard E. Cavazos. Oral History Social Studies Methods Susan Cavazos-Burton. General Richard E. Cavazos. In 1982, Richard E. Cavazos made military history by becoming the first Hispanic four-star general in the United States Army. Military Awards include:

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General Richard E. Cavazos

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  1. General Richard E. Cavazos Oral History Social Studies Methods Susan Cavazos-Burton

  2. General Richard E. Cavazos • In 1982, Richard E. Cavazos made military history by becoming the first Hispanic four-star general in the United States Army. • Military Awards include: • 2 Distinguished Service Crosses • 1 Silver Star • 2 Legion of Merit Awards • 5 Bronze Stars for Valor • 1 Purple Heart

  3. Biography • General Cavazos was born in Kingsville, Texas on January 31, 1929; the year of the most devastating stock market crash in the history of the United States. • In 1951, he graduated from Texas Tech University earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in geology. While attending college he was an active member of the ROTC program and was the captain of the football team. • On June 15, 1951, he received an officer’s commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

  4. Korea War Hero • On February 25, 1953, while serving in Korea with the 65th Infantry, Cavazos was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic actions during an attack on Hill 142. • The Korean War stemmed from the attempts of both countries to reunify Korea, they believed that the country should be unified under their administration.   The disagreements in unification talks became intense and resulted in both countries attacking the other by crossing the 38th parallel, which was the dividing line for the countries.

  5. Racism in the Military • The 65th Infantry Regiment was the only all Hispanic unit to serve in the Korean War. It was comprised mostly of soldiers from Puerto Rico, a minority unit similar to the African–American Tuskegee Airman of WWII, who suffered racism and segregation away from the frontlines. • Cavazos rose above the racism, moving on to become one of the most respected generals--Hispanic or otherwise--in the military. • The 65th Infantry Regiment, based in Puerto Rico, was the only all-Hispanic unit to serve during the Korean War. Nicknamed the "Borinqueneers" in honor of a native Puerto Rican Indian tribe, the 65th displayed true heart and valor during the Korean War. During a three-year period from 1950 - 1953, the unit participated in nine major campaigns, earning a Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and two Republic of Korea Unit Citations. Individual unit members earned four Distinguished Service Crosses and 124 Silver Stars. The Tuskegee Airman of WWII

  6. Vietnam War Hero • In 1967, Cavazos commanded 1st Battalion 18th Infantry in Vietnam. His valiant leadership of that unit in the attack of Loc Ninh earned him a second Distinguished Service Cross. • Meanwhile, back home in Washington D.C., over 250,000 anti-war protestors marched on Pennsylvania Avenue to protest the war and the military draft.

  7. Retirement • General Cavazos retired on June 17, 1984; after serving 33 years in the United States Army. This was the year President Reagan won his second election by obtaining 525 electoral votes (out of 538), which is the highest total ever received by a presidential candidate. • In 1985, General Cavazos was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to serve on the eight-member Chemical Warfare Review Commission. • Back in Texas, he served on the board of regents of Texas Tech University. He also regularly advised the Army on leadership, serving as a mentor to younger generals. • He also worked with military luminaries such as General Colin Powell and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, who wrote in his autobiography, It Doesn’t take a Hero, that Cavazos was one of the finest division commanders he’d ever worked for. • Today, Ret. General Cavazos is married, has four children, and lives in San Antonio, Texas.

  8. Sources • http://www.valerosos.com/HispanicsMilitary.html • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1984 • http://www.dm.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123069600 • http://articles.usa-people-search.com/content-facts-of-the-korean-war.aspx • http://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=246121 The military draft lottery of 1969.

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