2013-12

Recognizing the 65th Infantry Regiment, Known as the Borinqueneers, for their Service to the United States of America During Wartime

REPRESENTATIVE ANGEL CRUZ (PA) EDUCATION & CIVIL RIGHTS TASK FORCE

WHEREAS, The 65th Infantry Regiment hailed from Puerto Rico and its members were known as the Borinqueneers; and

WHEREAS, The unit was founded in 1899 and remained a vital part of the United States Armed Forces until 1956, when the regiment was inactivated; and

WHEREAS, This distinctive military unit served in multiple conflicts and members were known for their fierce fighting spirit; and

WHEREAS, During World War I and in 1943, the Borinqueneers were sent to guard the Panama Canal and in 1944 they were deployed to North Africa, Italy, Corsica, France and the Maritime Alps, where they engaged in their first combat and suffered 47 casualties; and

WHEREAS, In Korea, the regiment saw its finest, and gravest, hour when facing off against Chinese soldiers in order to hold open the retreat route from the Chosin Reservoir; and

WHEREAS, On February 2, 1951, two battalions of Borinqueneers took part in the last battalion bayonet charge in the United States history; and

WHEREAS, Puerto Rican soldiers also defended a recuperating United States Army division from infiltrating North Korean soldiers; and

WHEREAS, By the time the regiment was inactivated, more than 750 Borinqueneers had died and 2,400 had been wounded in the Korean War alone; and

WHEREAS, In 1959, the regiment was allotted to the Puerto Rico Army National Guard, where the 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry still serves; and

WHEREAS, While defending the United States, these brave soldiers earned 628 Bronze Stars, 258 Silver Stars, 10 Distinguished Service Crosses, and more than 2, 700 Purple Hearts; and

WHEREAS, Their commitment and courage are indeed deserving of this country’s praise and gratitude; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators hereby commend the 65th Infantry Regiment for its outstanding dedication and service to the United States Armed Forces; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for the regiment as an expression of esteem from the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be submitted to Congress calling for support to award the 65th Infantry Regiment with a Congressional Gold Medal.

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED AND RATIFIED ON NOVEMBER 16, 2013 AT THE NHCSL ANNUAL MEETING HELD IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA.

Sponsored by: Representative Angel Cruz (PA)