The Medal of Honor stands as a lasting symbol of courage, sacrifice and selfless service. Two extraordinary UTA alumni—General Richard E. Cavazos and Colonel Neel E. Kearby—are among those honored at the new National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington. Their stories of valor and leadership are also preserved right here on campus in the UTA Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives.

"The National Medal of Honor Museum honors the life stories of individuals who have received our nation’s highest military award for valor. At UTA Libraries, we’re proud to help tell the stories of two of those heroes—UTA alumni whose legacies live on in our University’s history," said Kera Newby, Director of Special Collections and Archives. "In Special Collections, visitors can explore original records, documents, photographs, and articles that connect directly to Cavazos and Kearby."

The National Medal of Honor Museum offers the community an opportunity to engage with history firsthand.

"The museum's main purpose is to help visitors understand the stories connected with the Medal of Honor. Understand that the sacrifices made—on some level and in some way—were made for all of us," said Greg Waters, Director of Curatorial Affairs. "We believe they are the most compelling stories our country has to offer. The values ingrained in the Medal of Honor—like courage, patriotism and citizenship—are incredible teaching tools.”

The Medal of Honor, the nation's highest decoration for valor in combat, has been awarded to 3,528 individuals since its establishment in 1861 for sailors and Marines, and subsequently in 1862 for soldiers. Each recipient's story reflects not only an act of incredible heroism but also a life committed to the highest ideals of service and sacrifice.

"We are focused on telling full life stories about these individuals—from the time they were born, where and how they grew up, what led to their decision to join the military, and what led up to their Medal of Honor action," Waters said. "Then we are also interested in whether they survived their Medal of Honor action and what they did the rest of their lives to represent what the Medal of Honor stands for."

Colonel Kearby was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during a mission in the Pacific Theater of World War II. On Oct. 11, 1943, Kearby led a flight of four P-47 fighters to reconnoiter heavily defended enemy bases at Wewak, New Guinea.

"Having observed enemy installations and reinforcements at four airfields and securing important tactical information, Colonel Kearby saw an enemy fighter below him, made a diving attack, and shot it down in flames. The small formation then sighted 12 enemy bombers and 36 escorting fighters. Although his mission had been completed, his fuel was running low, and the numerical odds were 12 to one, he gave the signal to attack. Diving into the midst of the enemy airplanes, he shot down three in quick succession," the Air Force Historical Support Division website stated. "Observing one of his comrades with two enemy fighters in pursuit, he destroyed both aircraft. The enemy broke off in large numbers to make a multiple attack on his airplane, but, despite his peril, he made one more pass before seeking cloud protection. Coming into the clear, he called his flight together and led them to a friendly base. Colonel Kearby brought down six enemy aircraft in this action."

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Kearby was awarded two Silver Stars, four Distinguished Flying Crosses and five Air Medals. On March 5, 1944, he was killed in action during a mission over New Guinea.

General Cavazos demonstrated remarkable leadership and heroism during the Korean War. As a first lieutenant, he led a daring assault on an entrenched enemy position near Sagimak, Korea, on June 14–15, 1953.

"Cavazos led his men on an assault of the enemy-held Hill 412 as part of a maneuver to cover Outpost Harry, an important defensive position near the hill. They soon came under heavy enemy artillery fire, which resulted in many American casualties," the U.S. Army website stated. "After successfully defending Outpost Harry through three intense hours of fighting, Cavazos received the order to return to friendly lines. Refusing to leave fallen and wounded American soldiers behind, he repeatedly went back to rescue men despite being wounded himself. When he was satisfied that the battlefield was cleared on the morning of June 15, he finally allowed his combat wounds to be treated."

Cavazos made history as the first Hispanic brigadier general in 1976 and later as a four-star general in 1982. He served a distinguished 33-year career in the Army before retiring in 1984. The Army posthumously honored him May 9, 2023, when Fort Hood was renamed Fort Cavazos in his honor. On Jan. 3, 2025, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. presented the Medal of Honor to Cavazos’ daughter, Laura Blevins, in recognition of his heroic actions in Korea in June 1953.

Today, students, researchers, and the broader community can connect with these incredible stories through the National Medal of Honor Museum and UTA Libraries Special Collections. These resources honor acts of heroism and provide invaluable opportunities for learning, reflection, and inspiration, ensuring that the values embodied by Cavazos, Kearby, and their fellow Medal of Honor recipients continue to resonate with future generations.

Visitors to the National Medal of Honor Museum are encouraged to continue their journey by visiting Special Collections on the sixth floor of Central Library to learn more about Cavazos and Kearby—and to explore thousands of other personal histories preserved in the Libraries’ collections.

“There are so many incredible ways to experience history here in North Texas, and we’re fortunate to have the National Medal of Honor Museum right in our backyard,” Newby said. “At Special Collections, we’re honored to support that mission by preserving and sharing stories that connect the past to our community today.”

To learn more about General Richard E. Cavazos and Colonel Neel E. Kearby, visit the UTA Libraries online resources. 

For more information about the museum, visit the National Medal of Honor Museum website.