Borinqueneers get Congressional Gold Medal

President Barack Obama signed Tuesday into law legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers, recognizing the Puerto Rican men who pioneered military service, devotion to duty, and many acts of valor in the face of adversity.

The 65th Infantry Regiment participated in both World Wars and the Korean War.

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President Obama says the legislation “honors military heroes from our history.

“In World War I, they defended the homeland and patrolled the Panama Canal Zone. In World War II, they fought in Europe. In Korea, they fought in mud and snow. They are the 65th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army,” said Obama

In attendance at the ceremony were a small group of Borinqueneers – Celestino Cordova, Rafael Gomez-Hernandez, Leonardo Martinez, Jose Pickard, Miguel Piñiero, Ramon Rodriguez, Federico Simmons and Arcadio Santiago.

The Borinqueneers were a Hispanic unit segregated from their fellow soldiers, much like the black Tuskegee Airmen and the Navajo Code Talkers.

But unlike those other groups, they had not been recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal for their contributions to American history until now, according to AP. Recently the group was also honored at the National Puerto Rican Day Parade that took place in New York City this Sunday.

The 65^th Infantry Regiment (“Borinqueneers”) was the only Hispanic Segregated Unit —composed almost entirely of soldiers from the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico— to play a prominent role in three wars.

The unit’s toughness, courage, and loyalty earned the admiration of many who had previously harbored reservations about Puerto Rican soldiers based on stereotypes. Over the span of World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, the regiment saw extensive combat.

By the time fighting came to a close in Korea, soldiers in the 65th Infantry Regiment had earned 10 Distinguished Service Crosses, about 250 Silver Stars, over 600 Bronze Stars, and nearly 3,000 Purple Hearts.

Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), who is an original co-sponsor of the Senate bill, released the following statement:

“The triumphs of the Borinqueneers deserve to be celebrated. I am delighted to see each of these soldiers receive the highest civilian award in the United States for their service to our nation. Their heroic conduct in the face of overwhelming odds saved the lives of many comrades, advanced American military operations, and broke racial barriers that had long constrained minorities in our military ranks”.

Sen. Menendez added that “by honoring their valiant service and achievements, we recognize our nation’s diversity and honor the thousands of Hispanic-Americans who have been driven over time by their sense of patriotism and service to their country.”

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