STATEMENT OF U.S. REP. JIM MCGOVERN ON HOUSE RESOLUTION 443
U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) gave today gave the following speech on the House
floor on H. Res. 443, legislation he introduced which commemorates the service
of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers during the Korean War:
Mr. Speaker, let me begin by thanking the distinguished Chairman of the Armed
Services Committee, Mr. Skelton, and the rankin g memb er, Mr. Hunter, for
bringing to the floor today, 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 would also like to ask unanimous consent to insert into the
record a letter from Aníbal Acevedo Vilá, the Governor of Puerto Rico, endorsing
this legislation.
It has been a privilege to learn about the proud service of the 65th
Infantry Borinqueneers, the only Hispanic-segregated unit in 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 Fran ce 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 nickname Borinqueneers, and it is also where they
demonstrated their military prowess.
The name Borinqueneers comes from word Borinquen, which is what the
original native Taino Indians of the island we now call Puerto Rico. Many
members of the 65th Infantry 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. And they were the leading unit
in the United Nations offensive of April, 1951. In every campaign, the
Borinqueneers performed as one of the most effective infantry regiments in the
Army.
Earning the respect and admiration of their fellow soldiers and military
leaders, General Douglas Mac Arthur himself remarked: "They showed magnificent
ability and courage in field operations," and that "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 2300 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 gives testament to the honor and
distinction of their service.
Mr. Speaker, I woul d 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.
Their 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. Fortuño, and I would also like to thank
Chairman Skelton and all the members of the Armed Services Committee who
cosponsored this bill and supported its consideration on the Sus pensio n
Calendar.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to pass House Resolution 443.
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