Two soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division will be awarded the nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, in a ceremony at 5 p.m. today at the White House.
Private First Class Charles R. Johnson (posthumous) and retired General Richard E. Cavazos (posthumous) will receive the award for their bravery during the Korean War. President Biden will award seven Medals of Honor during the ceremony.
These soldiers demonstrated unparalleled bravery and selflessness in the face of overwhelming danger, embodying the Army values and the intrepid spirit of the Dogface Soldier. With these two new awardees, 63 soldiers have earned the Medal of Honor while assigned or attached to 3rd ID, which remains the Army division with the most Medal of Honor recipients.
General Richard E. Cavazos
Cavazos, a native of Kingston, Texas, is being honored for his courageous actions during the Korean conflict. He served as commander of E Company, 2nd Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment. On June 14, 1953, during the Korean War, Cavazos led his company in a raid on Hill 142 despite intense enemy fire. He repeatedly returned to the battlefield to rescue wounded soldiers and ensure all personnel were accounted for, even while injured himself.
For his bravery, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, later earning a second one in Vietnam. Cavazos became the first Hispanic brigadier general and six years later was appointed the first four-star general of Hispanic origin.
Pfc. Charles R. Johnson
Johnson, from Millbrook, New York, demonstrated remarkable bravery while serving in the Korean War, on June 11-12, 1953. During a Chinese attack, Johnson, a 20-year-old Browning Automatic Rifle operator with Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, heroically defended his unit despite being wounded by artillery and grenade fire. Johnson provided first-aid, dragged a wounded soldier to safety, and fought in hand-to-hand combat to protect his comrades.
He was ultimately killed while defending the wounded, saving at least 10 lives.
“The heroism and selflessness displayed by these two remarkable individuals exemplify the courage and dedication that define the 3rd Infantry Division,” said Lt. Col. Matt Fontaine, the 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, “Their actions inspired generations of Soldiers, and serve as a testament to the extraordinary character of those who serve.”
The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their own lives above and beyond the call of duty. The meritorious conduct must involve great personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life.