[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 10, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3536-S3537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      TRIBUTE TO THE BORINQUENEERS

  Mr. DURBIN. I would like to recognize the remarkable service of the 
65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, a unit 
composed primarily of soldiers from the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico 
and recruits from other Latino backgrounds.
  Today, President Obama has signed into law a bill honoring the 
Borinqueneers with a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian 
honor our Nation can bestow. The Gold Medal is awarded as a national 
expression of gratitude to men and women who perform outstanding acts 
of service that advance the security, prosperity, and national interest 
of the United States of America.
  American minorities have a proud history of serving their country 
with honor and distinction even in the face

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of racism and exclusion. As the largest and longest standing segregated 
unit in our military's history, the 65th Infantry Regiment is no 
different. In the face of segregation and discrimination, the 
Borinqueneers demonstrated valiant service to our Nation. From World 
War I to Korea, the Borinqueneers represented the United States and 
Puerto Rico proudly. They were often among the first into battle and 
have been the recipients of numerous awards and commendations.
  The 65th Infantry Regiment was originally formed as a battalion of 
volunteer infantry in Puerto Rico in 1899 and first saw combat in World 
War I. The unit fired the first shot of the war by U.S. regular Armed 
Forces while defending the harbor of San Juan against a ship flying the 
colors of the Central Powers. Members of the Regiment also served in 
World War II and, with particular distinction, in the Korean war, where 
they earned 10 Distinguished Service Crosses, 256 Silver Stars, 606 
Bronze Stars, and 2,771 Purple Hearts by war's end.
  The Borinqueneers now join the ranks of the Tuskegee Airmen, the 
Navajo Code Talkers and other distinguished minority units who have 
received the prestigious Gold Medal. This day is long overdue but well 
deserved.
  I congratulate the Borinqueneers on their honor. These brave men 
deserve recognition befitting their contributions to our Armed Forces. 
The unit's story is one of service and honor beyond even the usual 
highest standards to which we hold our men and women in uniform.
  Of the surviving Borinqueneers I would like to recognize and give 
special thanks to those who have made their home in Illinois: Diego A. 
Figueroa Reyes, Santiago Perez, David Ramirez-Granado, Ramon Rodriguez, 
Juan Vasquez, and Onil G. Velez. I commend you and all of the 
Borinqueneers for your steadfast service to our country and wish you 
and your families all the best.

                          ____________________