[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24716]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING LATINO SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN DURING NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE 
                                 MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 15, 2003

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of National 
Hispanic Heritage Month and to recognize the longstanding contributions 
that the Latino community has made and continues to make through their 
participation in the armed forces.
  New census data reports that the Hispanic community, which numbers 
almost 40 million, is now the largest minority group in the United 
States. As such, Latinos influence everyday life in the United States 
through their participation in every sector of our society including 
business, the arts, sports, government, medicine and education. Of 
particular significance during these trying times, is the rich history 
of patriotism and sacrifice that the Latino community has made by 
serving proudly and with distinction in every major U.S. military 
conflict and in all branches of our armed services.
  From the minutemen of the American Revolution to today's enlisted men 
and women in Iraq, the Latino community has a deep-rooted tradition of 
service in the U.S. military. Today there are 109,487 Latinos on active 
duty, representing approximately 9.5% of all active duty personnel. 
Latinos represent 9.7 percent of the Army, 10.5 percent of the Navy, 
13.9 percent of the Marine Corps, and 3.4 percent of the Air Force.
  Latinos have been recognized for their valor and bravery in some of 
this country's most important military confrontations. One of the 
greatest sources of pride among the Latino community is the 39 Medals 
of Honor awarded to Latinos in recognition of their valor. They are the 
largest single ethnic group, in proportion to the number who served, to 
earn this prestigious award.
  During the American Revolution, soldiers from Spain, Cuba, Mexico, 
Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic fought alongside the colonists 
for independence. Cuban women donated their jewelry to aid the 
colonists, helping to finance the Yorktown Campaign.
  In World War One, Latino soldiers were decorated with the Medal of 
Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the French Croix de Guerre, the 
Victory Medal with three bars, and the Purple Heart. During the Second 
World War, up to 500,000 Latinos served bravely--eleven receiving the 
Medal of Honor. Of particular mention is the story of Marine PFC Guy 
``Gabby'' Gabaldon who single-handedly captured over 1,000 enemy 
soldiers in the summer of 1944, more than anyone else has in the 
history of military conflicts.
  During the Korean War, the 65th Infantry Regiment--a Puerto Rican 
regiment--was given special recognition for participating in nine major 
campaigns, capturing 2,086 enemy soldiers, and killing 5,095 enemy 
combatants. Individual members of this regiment were awarded four 
Distinguished Service Crosses and 124 Silver Stars. My family and I had 
personal acquaintance with a Korean War hero from my neighborhood in 
Boyle Heights when I was growing up in Los Angeles. Private First Class 
Eugene Obregon was awarded the Medal of Honor for sacrificing his life 
to save that of a wounded comrade.
  Fourteen Hispanics were awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery during 
the Vietnam War. Navy Lt. Everett Alvarez became the first American 
prisoner of war (POW), and remained so for over 8 years, the longest 
confirmed POW in American history. The last American to leave Vietnam 
was Senior Master Sergeant Juan J. Valdez, who served at the U.S. 
Embassy in Saigon and departed by helicopter on April 30, 1975.
  When Iran held 52 American hostages in 1980, the Ayatollah offered to 
release all minorities. Marine Corporals Lopez and Gallegos refused, 
instead stating, ``I am an American--I am a U.S. Marine, I will be the 
last one to leave,'' invoking the spirit of American patriotism above 
all else.
  Today, as we wage the war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq, the 
Latino community continues to prove its commitment to America by 
serving proudly and with honor. They remind all of us, that there is no 
better way to demonstrate devotion to your country than the willingness 
to make sacrifices for it. Through their service in the armed forces 
thousands of brave individuals in the Latino community have proven 
their love and dedication to our American values of liberty and freedom 
for all.
  As we recognize the Latino community during National Hispanic 
Heritage Month, I want to thank the service men and women, both past 
and present, for their commitment and sacrifices to our country. They 
truly embody the spirit of pride and community that Hispanic Heritage 
Month is designed to celebrate.

                          ____________________