S/Sgt. Cavaiani distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 4 and 5 June 1971 while serving as a platoon leader to a security platoon providing security for an isolated radio relay site located within enemy-held territory. On the morning of 4 June 1971, the entire camp came under an intense barrage of enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenade and mortar fire from a superior size enemy force.

S/Sgt. Cavaiani acted with complete disregard for his personal safety as he repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to move about the comp's perimeter directing the platoon's fire and rallying the platoon in a desperate fight for survival. S/Sgt. Cavaiani also returned heavy suppressive fire upon the assaulting enemy force during this period with a variety of weapons. When the entire platoon was to be evacuated, S/Sgt. Cavaiani unhesitatingly volunteered to remain on the ground and direct the helicopters into the landing zone. S/Sgt. Cavaiani was able to direct the first three helicopters in evacuating a major portion of the platoon.

Due to intense increase in enemy fire, S/Sgt. Cavaiani was forced to remain at the camp overnight where he calmly directed the remaining platoon members in strengthening their defenses. On the morning of 5 June, a heavy ground fog restricted visibility. The superior size enemy force launched a major ground attack in the attempt to completely annihilate the remaining small force. The enemy force advanced in two ranks, first firing a heavy volume of small arms automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire while the second rank continuously threw a steady barrage of hand grenades at the beleaguered force.

S/Sgt. Cavaiani returned a heavy barrage of small arms and hand grenade fire on the assaulting enemy force but was unable to slow them down. He ordered the remaining platoon members to attempt to escape while he provided them with cover fire. With one last courageous exertion, S/Sgt. Cavaiani recovered a machine gun, stood up, completely exposing himself to the heavy enemy fire directed at him. And began firing the machine gun in a sweeping motion along the two ranks of advancing enemy soldiers.

Through S/Sgt. Cavaiani's valiant efforts with complete disregard for his safety, the majority of the remaining platoon members were able to escape. While inflicting severe losses on the advancing enemy force, S/Sgt. Cavaiani was wounded numerous times. He eventually escaped, only to be captured after ten days of evading the enemy. He was released from captivity in March 1973.

S/Sgt. Cavaiani's conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

In His Own Words:

"My last assignment before being captured was as a commander of a radio relay site in north-west Vietnam. Khe Sahn Airfield was to the west, seven kilometers from Laos. North Vietnam border was 11 kilometers north, and Camp Fuller was 32 kilometers east-northeast. Briefly, the most northwest camp in South Vietnam.

"On June 4, 1971, the relay site was attacked by a reinforced regiment of NVA regulars. We fought the enemy through the night. Finally, on the morning of June 5th, I told my men that I would cover their withdrawal. I was forced to escape and evade for 13 days, only to be captured outside the wires at Camp Fuller. From that day forward, the enemy, in their own way, gave me the will to survive, to resist their ideas and their belief that what they were doing was right. This, in turn, strengthened my conviction that I was right in being in Vietnam.

As a prisoner I was to meet some of the most heroic men I have ever or will ever hope to encounter. Men who never let their country or families down. Well by God, regardless of what some people said about the war, we did our jobs as men and kept the faith in out President and country.

I thank God and my country for letting me come back to see my daughters again. And I say, with great pride, God Bless America."

The Provisional Government of Vietnam released former POW S/Sgt. Jon R. Cavaiani on March 27, 1973. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his attempt to defend Hickory Hill. Jon Cavaiani retired from the Army as a Sergeant Major.