Richard Cavazos was a Mexican American born on January 31, 1929, in Kingsville, Texas. His brother is former United States Secretary of Education, Lauro Cavazos.

In 1976 Mexican American Richard E. Cavazos made military history by becoming the first Hispanic to attain the rank of brigadier general in the United States Army. Less than 20 years later, the native Texan would again make history by being appointed the Army's first Hispanic four-star general. It was a long way from Cavazos' days as a lieutenant with the 65th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. The 65th, comprised mostly of soldiers from Puerto Rico, was a minority unit similar to the African-American Tuskegee Airman of World War II. Though praised by General MacArthur, […] according to a speech given by the Secretary of the Army Louis Caldera in 2000, the unit—called “The Borinqueneers” after an indigenous Puerto Rican Indian tribe—suffered racism and segregation away from the frontlines […] leaving scars that have yet to heal for so many of the regiment's proud and courageous soldiers.However, Cavazos rose above this racism, going on to become one of the most respected generals—Hispanic or otherwise—in the military. He also worked with military luminaries such as General Colin Powell and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf.

On September 10, 1953, per General Orders No. 832, Cavazos was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the Korean War. In February 1967, Cavazos, then a lieutenant colonel, became commander of the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment. In October and November 1967, his battalion was engaged in fighting near the Cambodian border. During an attack at Loc Ninh in October 1967, his unit was able to repulse the enemy. For his valiant leadership at Loc Ninh, he was awarded a second Distinguished Service Cross. On December 17, 1967, per General Orders No. 6479, Lieutenant Colonel Cavazos was awarded his second Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on October 30, 1967.

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 1980, he became commander of III Corps — and is recognized for his innovative leadership of the Corps.

In 1982, Cavazos again made military history by being appointed the army's first Hispanic four-star general. The same year, Cavazos assumed command of the United States Army Forces Command. His early support for the National Training Center and his involvement in the development of the Battle Command Training Program enormously influenced the war fighting capabilities of the United States Army. On June 17, 1984, after thirty three years of distinguished service, General Cavazos retired from the United States Army.

In 1985, Cavazos was appointed to the Chemical Warfare Review Committee by President Reagan. Cavazos served on the Board of Regents of his alma mater, Texas Tech University.

Cavazos was married with four children. He resided in San Antonio, Texas. Cavazos died at the age of 88 in San Antonio on October 29, 2017, due to complications of Alzheimer's disease.[13] He is buried with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Source: