CS/HM 1087 Summary

• Florida urges Congress and the President to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the United States 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers, the only Hispanic-segregated unit in U.S. Armed Forces history.

• The Borinqueneers, authorized March 2, 1899, served with distinction in World War I (defending Panama Canal), World War II (North Africa and Europe campaigns), and the Korean War, earning four Distinguished Service Crosses, 124 Silver Stars, nine Korean battle campaign awards, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

• The unit is credited with launching the last recorded battalion-sized bayonet assault in U.S. Army history and received praise from General Douglas MacArthur for their resolute will to victory and loyalty.

• In 1959, the Borinqueneers passed their colors to the Puerto Rico National Guard, the only instance in U.S. Army history that active unit colors were transferred rather than retired.

• Copies of this memorial shall be distributed to the President, Congress leadership, Florida's congressional delegation, the Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner, and various veteran and Hispanic organizations.