[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14061]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       CONGRESS SALUTES THE ARMY'S 65TH INFANTRY REGIMENT ``THE 
                            BORINQUENEERS''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL POSEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  Mr. POSEY. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, October 22, 2016, veteran 
soldiers of the Army's 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the 
Borinqueneers, will be recognized with replica Congressional Gold 
Medals in a ceremony organized by local businesses and by the 
Borinqueneer Congressional Gold Medal National Committee. Residents, 
families and military veterans will gather in Orlando, Florida to honor 
these American heroes.
  Created by Congress in 1898 as an all-Puerto Rican military unit, the 
65th Infantry Regiment was called upon to serve in World War I, World 
War II, and especially the Korean War, where they became known as ``the 
Borinqueneers''.
  During the darkest days of the Korean War, the 65th Infantry Regiment 
fought some of the fiercest battles under some of the harshest 
conditions; and they did so as the military's last segregated unit--a 
true testimony to their character.
  It was at the now-famous Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, one of the 
greatest strategic withdrawals in modern military history, that the 
65th Infantry Regiment fearlessly provided cover for the 1st Marine 
Division. The Borinqueneers are also recorded to be the last in U.S. 
Army history to conduct a battalion-sized bayonet charge.
  For their extraordinary service in the Korean War, the Regiment 
earned a Medal of Honor, 9 Distinguished Service Crosses, approximately 
250 Silver Stars, over 600 Bronze Stars, and more than 2,700 Purple 
Hearts. The Borinqueneers now join the ranks of the most intrepid 
American warriors who have received the Congressional Gold Medal.
  Awarding the 65th Infantry Regiment with the Congressional Gold Medal 
is an opportunity for our nation to honor the sacrifices, and recognize 
the prejudices and injustices endured by these American heroes. It is 
fitting we celebrate our beloved Borinqueneers on the heels of Hispanic 
Heritage month.
  The freedom we all enjoy today exists because of their courage, and 
their service to our nation. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting 
their service and their commitment to the cause of liberty and freedom.

                          ____________________