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  • Essay / Sergeant Jon R. Cavaiani - 1290

    Daniel CantonJon R. Cavaiani: Medal of Honor RecipientStaff Sergeant Jon R. Cavaiani is, in my opinion, the man who best represents courage personal for a multitude of reasons. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War. Jon was the acting section leader of a security platoon at a remote radio relay site in enemy-held territory. His selfless actions allowed the members of his platoon to evacuate. After everyone was evacuated, enemy fire intensified, which prevented American helicopters from evacuating him. Because of this, he was captured by the North Vietnamese soldiers who invaded his compound. He was held captive by the North Vietnamese until March 27, 1973. Jon R. Cavaiani was born August 2, 1948. He was born in Royston, England, but moved to America with his parents in 1952, while he was four years old. Jon was classified as 4-F by doctors, due to his allergic reactions to bee stings. This allergic reaction prevented him from being allowed to join the military. He discussed the problem with a doctor he knew, hoping to find a solution. The Doctor was able to help him, by having his classification changed so that he could enlist. He then enlisted in the army in 1968 and was nationalized shortly after. Cavaiani had qualified for Special Forces and was sent to Vietnam in June 1970. When he arrived in Vietnam, as a Special Forces medic, he was assigned to I Corps as a veterinarian and agricultural advisor. He helped deliver children, care for animals, among other things, while serving in this role. One day, while they were on a trail, a group of North Vietnamese attacked them and shot and mortally wounded the South Vietnamese sergeant major he...... middle of paper .... ..to be captured and held as a prisoner of war must have been a horrible experience. Being a prisoner for twenty-three months, being tortured, interrogated and displaced. He displayed extreme personal courage, remaining calm and helping his fellow prisoners of war. Returning home, he remained in the army, but had to return to a normal life. This required as much courage as maintaining strength while a prisoner of war. Jon Cavaiani exemplifies the value of personal courage in the military in many ways. This is a man who almost gave his life without hesitation for his comrades in arms, who were taken prisoners of war because he chose to stay behind to cover their retreat. That's about as selfless and courageous as someone can be. He is nothing short of a hero. Jon Cavaiani deserves the utmost respect from all Americans.