Sgt. Maj Jon Cavaiani

Today’s Veteran of the Day is Medal of Honor recipient Jon Cavaiani who served from 1968-1980. Jon served in the U.S. Army with Task Force 1 Advisory Element during the Vietnam War. His platoon came under enemy fire on 4 June, 1971 and Jon rallied the defenses. He then coordinated the helicopter extract and voluntarily stayed on the ground to provide cover for most of his platoon to evacuate. The next morning the enemy attacked again and Jon provided suppressive fire to cover the retreat for the remaining elements of his platoon. He was captured and spent two years as a prisoner of war.

Jon was released from captivity on 27 April, 1973. He continued his service in the Army with special forces and retired as a Sergeant Major.

Jon died on 29 July, 2014 at the age of 70. We honor his service.