[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 18, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H10484-H10486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF THE 65TH INFANTRY BORINQUENEERS

  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 443) recognizing the service of the 65th 
Infantry Borinqueneers during the Korean War, honoring the people of 
Puerto Rico who continue to serve and volunteer for service in the 
Armed Forces and make sacrifices for the country, and commending all 
efforts to promote and preserve the history of the 65th Infantry 
Borinqueneers, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 443

       Whereas the 65th Infantry Regiment, the only Hispanic-
     segregated unit in United States military history, was 
     mandated by

[[Page H10485]]

     Congress to be comprised primarily of Puerto Ricans;
       Whereas the 65th Infantry Regiment became better known as 
     the Borinqueneers from the word Borinquen, the name that the 
     native Taino Indians called Puerto Rico;
       Whereas the Borinqueneers, throughout their service in 
     World War I, World War II, and, most notably, the Korean War, 
     served with distinction;
       Whereas the Borinqueneers demonstrated their military 
     prowess in Korea and earned the respect and admiration of 
     their fellow soldiers and military authorities, most notably 
     General Douglas MacArthur;
       Whereas the Borinqueneers were sent to battle on the front 
     lines in Korea and participated in nine major campaigns 
     during the Korean War;
       Whereas the Borinqueneers made valuable contributions to 
     the war effort, including by suffering a tremendous number of 
     casualties that was disproportionate to the population of 
     Puerto Rico;
       Whereas the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers earned well-
     deserved praise, including two United States Presidential 
     Unit Citations, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and two 
     Republic of Korea Unit Citations;
       Whereas the 65th Infantry Regiment 1st Battalion continues 
     its fine tradition as an active unit in the Puerto Rico Army 
     National Guard; and
       Whereas Puerto Ricans have continued to volunteer freely 
     and serve in the Armed Forces and have served ably during 
     wartime: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the service of the 65th Infantry 
     Borinqueneers during the Korean War;
       (2) honors the people of Puerto Rico, who continue to serve 
     and volunteer for service in the Armed Forces and make 
     sacrifices for the country; and
       (3) commends all efforts to promote and preserve the 
     history of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter) and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. 
Gingrey) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New Hampshire.


                             General Leave

  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on 
the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from New Hampshire?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 443, 
recognizing the service of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers during the 
Korean War, honoring the people of Puerto Rico who continue to serve 
and volunteer for services in the Armed Forces and make sacrifices for 
this country, and commending all efforts to promote and preserve the 
history of the 65 Infantry Borinqueneers. I thank my colleague from 
Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern) for bringing this measure before the 
House.
  In 1908 the United States Congress directed that a unit be 
established and comprised primarily of individuals from Puerto Rico, 
which was then renamed in 1920 as the 65th Infantry Regiment. Our 
brothers and sisters of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers fought 
valiantly and gave their lives during the Korean War and the two World 
Wars.
  Since 1917 the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has been a part of the 
United States and home to almost 4 million U.S. citizens. During the 
Korean War, Puerto Rico lost a disproportionate number of 
servicemembers relative to the population of the island as a whole. 
Eight soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment received the Distinguished 
Service Cross, and 129 were awarded the Silver Star for their heroism 
during the Korean conflict.
  House Resolution 443 highlights an important group of servicemembers 
who have helped forge the foundation of the freedoms that we enjoy 
today. The 65th Infantry Borinqueneers are to be recognized for their 
tremendous sacrifice. We should not forget those who are serving today 
in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
  The people of Puerto Rico and all Americans can be proud of the 
tremendous contributions these men have made to the defense of our 
Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 443.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I do rise in support of House Resolution 443, which 
recognizes the service of the 65th Infantry Regiment, Puerto Rico 
National Guard.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, the First Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 
Puerto Rico National Guard, continues a tradition of outstanding 
service in the Army established by members of that regiment in World 
War I, World War II, and in Korea. Their motto, ``Honor and Fidelity,'' 
summarizes that service.
  Mr. Speaker, in Korea, as an active Army unit, the regiment fought 
with particular distinction, participating in nine major campaigns from 
1950 until 1953. For its actions, the unit was awarded two Presidential 
Unit Citations, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and two Republic of 
Korea Unit Citations.
  Such outstanding service led General Douglas MacArthur to say: ``The 
Puerto Ricans of the gallant 65th Infantry on the battlefields of Korea 
are writing a brilliant record of achievement in battle, and I am proud 
indeed to have them in this command. I wish that I had many more like 
them.''
  In achieving such recognition for their competence and valor, the men 
of the 65th Infantry suffered heavy casualties and numerous vicious 
battles against determined North Korean and Chinese units. Moreover, 
the men of the 65th not only had to overcome severe weather and terrain 
and shortages of clothing and equipment, but also the elements of 
prejudice and unfavorable bias that they encountered.
  Mr. Speaker, given the history of outstanding service by the 65th 
since its inception back in 1898, as well as the continuing commitment 
and dedication shown by the current members of this unit, it is fitting 
that we take the time today to recognize and to honor that service.
  I strongly urge all Members to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to my friend and 
colleague, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), the sponsor 
of this resolution.
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from New 
Hampshire for her remarks and for yielding me the time and for her 
leadership on the Armed Services Committee. I also want to thank my 
good friend from Georgia for his words in support of this resolution, 
House Resolution 443, which pays tribute to the 65th Infantry 
Borinqueneers and to the men and women of Puerto Rico who continue to 
serve our country with honor and distinction.
  Mr. Speaker, I will insert into the Record a letter from Anibal 
Acevedo Vila, the Governor of Puerto Rico, endorsing this legislation.
                                                    July 18, 2007.
     Hon. James McGovern,
     House of Representatives, Cannon House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman McGovern: Thank you for your efforts to 
     recognize the service of Puerto Ricans in the armed forces of 
     the United States, and in particular, the 65th Infantry 
     Borinquineers, by introducing H. Res. 443. Puerto Ricans have 
     served with great distinction in the military, and I 
     appreciate your efforts to highlight their service.
       The 65th Infantry Borinquineers were founded as an all-
     Puerto Rican regiment in 1899, and served in World War I, 
     World War II, and in the Korean War. It was in this last 
     campaign that the 65th Infantry earned their renown, leading 
     General Douglas MacArthur to remark: ``[t]he Puerto Ricans 
     forming the ranks of the gallant 65th Infantry . . . 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.'' During the Korean War, 
     members of the 65th Infantry were awarded 10 Distinguished 
     Service Crosses, 256 Silver Stars, and 606 Bronze Stars.
       As H. Res. 443 acknowledges, Puerto Ricans have a tradition 
     of dedicated and honorable service in the armed forces of the 
     United States. Military units from Puerto Rico were among the 
     first to deploy following the attacks of September 11, 2001, 
     and over 7,000 members of our National Guard have since been 
     deployed in support of current operations. Over 55 soldiers, 
     sailors and airmen of Puerto Rican descent have lost their 
     lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are over 144,000 
     veterans living in Puerto Rico, and four sons of the Island 
     have earned the Medal of Honor since Vietnam, the second 
     highest per capita of any jurisdiction in the United States.
       Puerto Rican soldiers in the armed forces today continue 
     the tradition of the 65th Infantry by serving with honor and 
     distinction and make all Puerto Ricans proud of their 
     service. Once again, I appreciate your introduction of H. 
     Res. 443 to recognize and commend those Puerto Ricans who 
     have served

[[Page H10486]]

     in the past and present in our nation's armed forces, and I 
     look forward to the resolution's adoption.
           Sincerely,
                                              Anibal Acevedo Vila,
                            Governor, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

  Mr. Speaker, it has been a privilege to learn about the proud service 
of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers, the only Hispanic-segregated unit 
in the United States Military history. The first native Puerto Rican 
troops were approved by Congress in 1899, designated as the Puerto 
Rican Regiment U.S. Volunteers.
  The regiment was ordered to war strength in 1917 and served in 
defense of the Panama Canal during World War I. On June 4, 1920, the 
regiment was officially re-designated as the 65th Infantry, U.S. Army.
  After serving ably in France and Germany during World War II, the 
65th was ordered to Korea in 1950. It was during the Korean War where 
the 65th Infantry invoked the name Borinqueneers, and it is also where 
they demonstrated their military prowess.
  The name Borinqueneers comes from the word Borinquen, which is the 
original native Taino Indians of the island we now call Puerto Rico. 
Many members were direct descendants of these native people.
  The Borinqueneers fought on the front lines in Korea, participating 
in nine major campaigns throughout the war. They were the protection 
force for marines withdrawing from far inland positions. They were the 
leading unit in the United Nations offensive of April 1951. In every 
campaign they performed as one of the most effective infantry regiments 
in the Army.
  Earning the respect and admiration of fellow soldiers and military 
leaders, General Douglas MacArthur himself remarked, ``They showed 
magnificent ability and courage in field operations,'' and ``they are a 
credit to Puerto Rico, and I am proud to have them in my command.''
  Mr. Speaker, it is of the utmost importance that we recognize the 
valiant service of the Borinqueneers and that we recognize the 
sacrifices made by the people of Puerto Rico during the Korean War: 
61,000 Puerto Ricans served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, the 
overwhelming majority in the 65th Infantry Regiment.
  By the end of the war, 743 Puerto Ricans were killed, and over 2,300 
wounded. One of every 42 casualties suffered by U.S. forces in Korea 
was Puerto Rican. Puerto Rico endured one casualty for every 660 of its 
inhabitants, a disproportionately heavy burden for the small island. 
This statistic highlights the enormous sacrifice by Puerto Rico, and it 
gives testament to the honor and distinction of their service.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to note some current efforts to 
promote and preserve the history of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers. In 
my district, the Korean War Memorial of Central Massachusetts 
Committee, along with Colonel Gilbert Villahermosa, Inspector General 
of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the Puerto Rican 
community of central Massachusetts are working together to commemorate 
the 65th Infantry.
  The efforts have included promotion of the documentary film ``The 
Borinqueneers,'' construction of a memorial flagpole, and Colonel 
Villahermosa himself has released a book detailing the critical role 
which the 65th Infantry played in Korea.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to have introduced this bill with the 
Representative from Puerto Rico (Mr. Fortuno), and I would also like to 
thank Chairman Skelton and all members of the Armed Services Committee 
who supported its consideration on the suspension calendar.
  Again, I want to thank my two colleagues, the gentlewoman from New 
Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter) and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. 
Gingrey), for their words here today.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to pass House Resolution 
443.
  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. Before 
yielding back, I would like to encourage all of our colleagues, both 
sides of the aisle, and I am sure we will have a unanimous vote on 
H.Res 443. I thank the gentlewoman from New Hampshire for allowing me 
to control the time on this side.
  Mr. FORTUNO. Mr. Speaker, during this month, our country proudly 
celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. In the midst of this celebration, 
it is with great honor and pride that I stand in support of H. Res. 443 
which seeks to recognize the service of the 65th infantry regiment 
during the Korean War known as the Borinqueneers Regiment. I also want 
to thank Congressman McGovern for his leadership in honoring these 
brave soldiers. At a time when there is a national dialogue on the 
contributions of Hispanic Americans, there is no better way to 
recognize their achievements, than by voting for H. Res. 443.
  We know that since the Civil War, where over 10,000 Hispanic 
Americans wore uniforms for both sides, the number of soldiers of 
Hispanic heritage that have served in each conflict has been 
significant. Their participation in every military conflict is a source 
of many heroic actions.
  In World War I, 200,000 Hispanics were mobilized and to this day we 
hear stories of their valor, and devotion to spread democracy and 
freedom around the World.
  Roughly half a million Hispanics served during World War II. They 
fought bravely in all of the major conflicts extending throughout 
Europe, the Pacific and Africa.
  But it is during the Korean War that over 148,000 Hispanics served, 
of which 20,000 were from my district in Puerto Rico. 4,000 of them 
comprised the 65th Infantry Regiment, the largest U.S. infantry 
regiment for that war. This regiment fought in every major campaign of 
the Korean War and received numerous praises including a Presidential 
Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendations and two Republic of Korea 
Unit Citations for their performance. I would like to quote General 
Douglas MacArthur, who said in Tokyo on February 12, 1951: ``The Puerto 
Ricans forming the ranks of the gallant 65th Infantry on the 
battlefields of Korea . . . 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.''
  It is due to this ever-growing identity in the United States, that 
Hispanic Americans continue to wear, with honor, the uniforms of our 
Armed Forces. This legislation honors the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers 
and the legacy they left behind; a legacy of valor, courage and self-
sacrifice in the face of adversity. I am proud to be an American of 
Hispanic descent and equally proud to represent the members of the 65th 
Infantry Regiment; it is for them that I stand here today in support of 
this legislation and urge all my colleagues to unanimously vote in 
favor of H. Res. 443.
  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter) that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 443, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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