Kaptur Congratulates the Borinqueneers On Receiving the Congressional Gold Medal

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 10, 2014) – Congresswoman Kaptur formally congratulated members of the Puerto Rico’s 65th Infantry Regiment—known as the “Borinqueneers”—after President Obama signed legislation to award them the Congressional Gold Medal.

“The Fighting Borinqueneers persevered, despite discrimination and hardship, to defend America throughout the entire Twentieth Century,” said Congresswoman Kaptur, whose district is home to one of the largest Puerto Rican communities outside New York.

“All told, more than 100,000 served and their courage was boundless,” she said. “They even led the last regimental bayonet charge in U.S. military history—a truly heroic act during the Korean War that saved the lives of many.

“The Congressional Gold Medal is a symbol of a grateful nation’s appreciation of the Fighting Borinqueneers, whose motto was ‘Honor et Fidelitas,’ or ‘Honor and Fidelity.’ ”

Formed in 1898, shortly after Puerto Rico became a part of the United States, the Borinqueneeres served in both World War I and World War II as well as Korea.

Segregation “set them apart from their fellow soldiers, but their courage made them legendary,” President Obama said during a signing ceremony at the White House. “We thank all the Borinqueneers for their extraordinary service. You’ve earned a hallowed place in our history.”
The Fighting Borinqueneers achieved glory in February 1951 when they charged Chinese positions with bayonets fixed, opening an escape route for Marines who had been trapped near the Chosin Reservoir.

Congresswoman Kaptur supported the bipartisan legislation, authored by Rep. Bill Posey (R-Florida), to award the Congressional Gold Medal to these valiant fighters, of whom fewer than 1,000 survive.