SCHUMER ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION TO AWARD CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO ‘BORINQUENEERS’; 65TH INFANTRY IS LAST HISPANIC SEGREGATED UNIT OF U.S. ARMY Brave Unit Included Tens of Thousands of Puerto Ricans and Other Latinos Who Served in WWI, WWII & Korean War Bill Would Honor 65th Infantry Regiment with Congressional Gold Medal for Historic Service; Unit Demonstrated Noble Acts of Selflessness & Patriotism Schumer: This Is a Long Overdue Honor for These American Heroes U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced legislation that would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the segregated Latino unit known as “Borinqueneers.” The legislation has been introduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal and Schumer is a lead co-sponsor. The “Borinqueneers” was the last Latino segregated unit of the U.S. Army. The unit played a role during three wars: World War I, World War II and the Korean War and overcame many hardships, including segregation and discrimination to perform bravely and honorably in service to the American nation. “The Borinqueneers fought for America, and put their lives on the line for America, even when America didn’t see them as fully equal. At long last, they deserve to be recognized for their bravery, their patriotism and their faith in America’s values and way of life,” Schumer said. “The 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers because it contained so many Puerto Rican Americans, exemplifies the values of courage, dedication and honor. This legislation will award the unit with a much-deserved Congressional Gold Medal. Today, I am urging all my colleagues in the Senate to support this important piece of legislation. Not another day should pass without a grateful nation saying an appropriate ‘thank-you’ to these brave men for their sacrifice and their service.” The 65th Infantry Regiment “Borinqueneers” was the largest and longest-standing Hispanic Segregated Unit to play a prominent role in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The brave, all-volunteer, Puerto Rican unit included tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans. During World War II, the infantry included more than 60,000 Puerto Ricans, and during the Korean War, more than 40,000 Puerto Ricans. More than 700 men died in combat, and more than 3,000 men returned home wounded from the Korean War. The men of the 65th Infantry Regiment constantly demonstrated noble acts of selflessness, patriotism, and courage. These brave soldiers fought hard for the US Army, despite discrimination and segregation, as well as other serious injustices. Throughout the course of the three wars, individual unit members of the 65th Infantry Regiment earned 10 Distinguished Service Crosses, 258 Silver Stars, 628 Bronze Stars, and more than 2,700 Purple Hearts. Schumer noted that a Congressional Gold Medal would serve as the long-overdue recognition the “Borinqueneers” deserve, and would be an important reminder of the significant contributions of Puerto Rican Americans in our armed services. Many Puerto Rican Americans call Upstate New York home, including significant populations in Buffalo, Rochester, Amsterdam, and Dunkirk. Schumer today co-sponsored this legislation, introduced by Senator Blumenthal. Schumer also signed onto a letter asking for additional Senators to co-sponsor the bill. Schumer explained that 67 co-sponsors are needed for the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs to take up the bill and this letter would highlight the importance of supporting this piece of legislation.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 02:24:35 +0000
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