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Today the House of Representatives approved Congressman Bill Posey’s (R-Florida) bipartisan legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment known as the “Borinqueneers”. Posey introduced the legislation with Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi (D-Puerto Rico). The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award that Congress can bestow, next only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to all our men and women in uniform, and their families, for their service and the great personal sacrifices they make in defense of our liberty,” said Congressman Bill Posey. “The Borinqueneers have shown exceptional and unyielding valor on the battlefield and they have earned their place in history as American heroes. Awarding them with the Congressional Gold Medal is an appropriate way to show our gratitude for their service to our nation.”

The 65th Infantry Regiment was created by Congress in 1898 as an all-Puerto Rican segregated unit and was called upon to serve our nation in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, where they fought some of the fiercest battles to date and became known as the Borinqueneers. During the now-famous Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, the Borinqueneers fought alongside the First Marine Division, covering them through what is recognized as one of the greatest strategic withdrawals in military history.

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 the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star and the Bronze Star. The bill has now moved to the U.S. Senate for their consideration.