Caro, Henry, CSM

CSM Henry Caro enlisted in the military in May of 1955. He was discharged in May 1958. After 2½ months as a civilian, he re-entered the Army and for the next 18 years he served with: 101st Airborne Division, Ft Campbell, Kentucky; 2d Battalion Combat Team, Iceland; 1st Infantry Division, Ft Riley, Kansas; 82d Airborne Division, Ft Bragg, North Carolina; Military Assistance Command, Vietnam; Infantry School, Ft Benning, Georgia; 173d BDE, Co N (Ranger), 75th IN, RVN; and 1st (Ranger), 75th IN, Ft Stewart, Georgia. He served as the Infantry School Command Sergeant Major at Ft Benning, Georgia.
 

CSM Caro received an Associate's Degree. He graduated from Basic Airborne School, Jumpmaster School, Pathfinder School, Land Search Rescue School, Ranger School, Jungle Warfare School, Raider Course, Military Advisor Training Course, Defense Language Institute (Vietnamese), NCO Academy, ANCOC, and the Sergeants Major Academy
 

CSM Caro's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with V Device (4th OLC), Purple Heart (1st OLC), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with V Device (3d OLC), Good Conduct Medal (7th award), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (9 Battle Stars), Vietnam Gallantry Cross (Gold and Bronze Star), Vietnam Honor Medal (2d Class), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Master Vietnamese Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge and Ranger Tab.


CSM Caro was killed in a parachute training accident when his parachute and that of another Ranger collided and entangled (SP4 Jimmy Quick).  Both men fell to their deaths at Hunter Army Airfield on 6 November, 1976.
 

Command Sergeant Major Henry Caro is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for extraordinary valor, exceptional gallantry, and heroic service to the nation and the U.S. Army as a Ranger Leader. Culminating three tours in Vietnam, two as a Vietnamese Ranger Battalion advisor, and one in direct action with Company N, 75th Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade, CSM Caro was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor five times, and the Vietnam Service Medal with 9 Battle Stars.

Command Sergeant Major Caro earned the reputation as a man who stood tallest among men. While the smoke of the battle field still hung in the air, and in action in which then SFC Caro had distinguished himself, an admirer of his, a Colonel, remarked to his company commander, "There's a real man - one that can be counted on when all the chips are down. There is not a phony cell in him!" As Command Sergeant Major Caro demonstrated throughout his 18 years of distinguished and devoted service, he was a true warrior. A Ranger that led from the front, his dedication to duty and superb leadership are a hallmark that continue to set the example for Rangers past and present.


CSM Caro assumed command of a company in Vietnam as a staff sergeant when all of his superiors became casualties. He had metal pins in his back and holding his leg together from when he’d been raked by machinegun fire in that role. He was out running with his Soldiers every morning. The NCO academy at Fort Benning and the gym at Fort Stewart (where he died) are named in his honor.