[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 143 (Tuesday, September 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF THE 65TH INFANTRY BORINQUENEERS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 18, 2007

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to revise and 
extend my remarks. I rise in support of H. Res. 443, which recognizes 
the service of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers during the Korean War 
and the continued service of Puerto Ricans in the Armed Services.
  The Korean War was fought with the sweat and tears of many Americans.
  The 65th Infantry Regiment was the only Hispanic-segregated unit in 
United States military history. Mandated by Congress, the unit was 
compromised by a majority of Puerto Ricans.
  These honorable soldiers fought at the front of the Korean lines like 
any other American soldiers. The unit received a Presidential Unit 
Citation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and two Republic of Korea 
Unit Citations.
  In addition, we continue to be fortunate enough to count on the 
service of Puerto Ricans today.
  This July, Captain Maria Ortiz, a Puerto Rican, was killed by a 
mortar attack in the Green Zone in Baghdad. She was the first army 
nurse to be killed in combat since the Vietnam War.
  Today I stand proud with my colleagues and thank our Puerto Rican 
soldiers who have fought and will continue to fight so bravely for the 
great democracy that we enjoy. As a fellow Vietnam-era veteran, I 
salute you.
  I urge my colleagues to support and pass H. Res. 443 and recognize 
the great work of our Puerto Rican soldiers.