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Today Congressman Bill Posey (R-FL) and Puerto Rico's Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi (D-PR) were joined by numerous military veterans to announce the introduction of bipartisan legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment known as the “Borinqueneers”. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award that Congress can bestow, next only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Borinqueneers Joe Pikar, Celestino Cordova and Dolores Nieves join Congressman Pedro Pierluisi of Puerto Rico and Congressman Bill Posey of Florida in announcing the introduction of the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Act.

“The Borinqueneers participated in some of the fiercest battles of Korean War and awarding such a high honor is an appropriate way to show our gratitude to these heroes for their bravery, their service and their sacrifices,” said Congressman Bill Posey. “They are part of a proud tradition of service in the face of adversity that includes the Tuskegee Airmen, Montford Point Marines, Navajo Code Talkers and the Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team – all of whom have already received the Congressional Gold Medal.”

“Between 1950 and 1953, the 65th Infantry Regiment participated in some of the fiercest battles of the Korean War, and its toughness, courage and loyalty earned the admiration of those who had previously harbored reservations about Puerto Rican soldiers based on stereotypes,” said Congressman Pedro Pierluisi. “In the face of unique challenges, the men of the 65th Infantry Regiment served our nation with great skill and tremendous grace. Their contributions to our country have been recognized in many forms. Streets and parks bear their name. Monuments and plaques memorialize their accomplishments. And cities and states have approved resolutions in their honor. I believe it is time that Congress pay tribute to the 65th, and so I ask my colleagues to join me and Congressman Posey in the effort to award the Regiment with the Congressional Gold Medal.”

The Borinqueneers are the 65th Infantry Regiment which Congress created in 1898 as an all-Puerto Rican segregated unit. Called upon to serve in World War I, World War II, and especially the Korean War, the Borinqueneers have consistently shown exceptional and unyielding valor on the battlefield despite the hardships they lived under such as ethnic discrimination.

As a unit, they earned a Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation and two Republic of Korea Unit Citations, including personal praise from General MacArthur when they were called to the front lines of the Korean War. Individuals within the regiment were also awarded Distinguished Service Crosses, Silver Stars and Bronze Stars.