[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 14, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO THE ALL-PUERTO RICAN 65TH INFANTRY REGIMENT

                                 ______


                         HON. LUIS V. GUTIERREZ

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 1996

  Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the all-Puerto 
Rican 65th Infantry Regiment that fought in the Korean war.
  The 65th regiment, nicknamed the ``the Borinqueneers'' became one of 
the most decorated units during the Korean conflict. One hundred 
twenty-five soldiers of the 65th were awarded the Silver Star and four 
received the Distinguished Service Cross.
  The heroism of the 65th brought the unit admiration and accolades 
from our Nation's highest-ranking military officers. The most famous 
and important letter came from General Douglas MacArthur.
  The 65th had been ordered to do reconnaissance behind the enemy front 
lines and relocated to the command post of the Third U.S. Infantry 
Division. One night the command post was attacked by more than one 
thousand North Korean regulars who had penetrated U.S. lines without 
detection. The 65th was alerted to the threat and went into action to 
protect vital U.S. supply lines. Their quick reaction enabled them to 
counter and destroy the North Korean force, thereby saving the Third 
Division Commander, staff and troops from being captured or killed.
  In response to the actions of the 65th, General MacArthur, who had 
rejected the 65th for combat in World War II, wrote in 1951:

       The Puerto Ricans forming the ranks of the gallant 65th 
     Infantry on the battlefields of Korea by valor, determination 
     and a resolute will to victory give daily testament to their 
     invincible loyalty to the United States and the fervor of 
     their devotion to those immutable standards of human 
     relations to which Americans and Puerto Ricans are in common 
     dedicated. They are writing a brilliant record of achievement 
     in battle and I am proud indeed to have them in this command. 
     I wish that we might have many more like them.

  Other triumphs of note for the 65th were the rescue of the First 
Marine Division from Hagaru-ri where the division had been surrounded 
by Chinese military forces. The 65th provided a safe corridor for the 
Marines to escape and formed the protective rear guard on their road to 
Hungnam.
  In his book, ``Puerto Rico's Fighting 65th Infantry,'' Brigadier 
General W.W. Harris (Ret.) writes:

       I have not encountered any people more dedicated and 
     zealous in support of the democratic principles for which the 
     United States stands. Many Puerto Ricans have fought to the 
     death to uphold them.

  General Harris commanded the 65th during the Korean War.
  On March 29, 1996, at Puerto Rican Affirmation Day ceremonies in 
Washington, thousands of people gathered at the Vietnam Memorial to pay 
tribute to veterans of Puerto Rican heritage and in particular to the 
65th Infantry that fought so courageously in the Korean war. Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs Jesse Brown praised the 65th, much as Generals 
MacArthur and Harris had in the 1950's.
  So today, I rise to pay tribute to these valiant soldiers for 
democracy and freedom and to honor their contributions to our Nation 
and to the people of Puerto Rico. The memory of the 65th Infantry 
should never be allowed to fade.

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