The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Colonel (Infantry) Edward Joseph Cavanaugh (ASN: 0-28499), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 29 July 1971, while serving with Advisory Team 4, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, as Senior Advisor, 1st Task Force, army of the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel Cavanaugh was visiting the 51st Infantry Regiment at Hill 55 in Quang Nam Province, when the enemy began a rocket attack on the location. Without hesitation, Colonel Cavanaugh secured a pair of binoculars and began observing the incoming rockets. At the same time, he continually sought out information concerning casualties, damage assessment and updating on the counter battery fire being placed on the enemy. After the first rounds had landed there was a brief lull and it was at this time that he ordered a Medevac Helicopter and appraised the damage caused. He immediately exposed himself and took up a position to better observe the area from where the attack was being launched. When the attack was resumed Colonel Cavanaugh maintained this position watching the flash and marking the rockets’ points of origin. Critically wounded by an incoming rocket, he tenaciously continued to observe and report until over his own objections he was medevaced for treatment. Colonel Cavanaugh’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Division:
Military Assistance Command, VietnamAction Date:
1971
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pride in presenting a second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Colonel (Infantry) Edward Joseph Cavanaugh (ASN: 0-28499), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Advisory Team 4, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, as Senior Advisor, 1st Task Force, army of the Republic of Vietnam in 1971. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Cavanaugh and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Edward Joseph Cavanaugh (ASN: 0-28499), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army, from 1966 to 1967. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Cavanaugh and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Edward Joseph Cavanaugh (ASN: 0-28499), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, United States Army, Vietnam, from 1967 to 1968. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Cavanaugh and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
31st Infantry RegimentDivision:
7th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
August 22, 1952
Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 423 (October 8, 1952)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Edward Joseph Cavanaugh (ASN: 0-28499), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a member of Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, near Kumhwa, Korea. On 22 August 1952, Captain Cavanaugh, observing a friendly patrol sustain several casualties in a firefight with an enemy force, immediately organized a patrol to go to the assistance of the wounded men. Leading the group through the intense enemy small-arms, automatic-weapons, and mortar fire, Captain Cavanaugh succeeded in removing the casualties from the battle area and carrying them to safety. Upon reaching friendly lines, Captain Cavanaugh again organized a rescue party and returned to the battle area to remove the remaining wounded personnel. Captain Cavanaugh remained in his exposed position until he had made certain that all known wounded had received medical attention and then, personally assisted in carrying the last wounded man from the area. When he had returned to friendly lines he learned that there were two men missing and he organized another party to return a third time to the withering enemy fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Cavanaugh moved about in the area subjected to the most intense concentration of enemy fire in his determined efforts to locate the missing men. When he had approached to within thirty feet of the enemy’s positions, Captain Cavanaugh was wounded in the arm and leg and was unable to move, yet he refused to be evacuated until all the other wounded had been taken care of. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Cavanaugh, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.