2014 -- S 2728

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LC005096

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THAT THE RHODE ISLAND DELEGATION TO THE

UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS SUPPORT

FEDERAL LEGISLATION THAT WOULD AWARD THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD

MEDAL TO THE 65TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, KNOWN AS THE BORINQUENEERS,

FOR THEIR HONORABLE MILITARY SERVICE

     Introduced By: Senators Pichardo, Felag, Jabour, Picard, and Metts

     Date Introduced: March 05, 2014

     Referred To: Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs

     WHEREAS, On March 2, 1899, by an Act of Congress, the first Puerto Rican military

unit was established. It was a volunteer battalion that grew to regiment size by 1900. A second

Act of Congress made the Puerto Rican Regiment part of the United States Army on May 27,

1908; and

     WHEREAS, The 65th Infantry Regiment, while not deployed in World War I, was the

first unit of the United States Army to fight German forces. On March 21, 1915, a German

supply ship tried to force its way out of San Juan Harbor to deliver supplies to German U-boats in

the Atlantic, but was stopped and forced to surrender the ship and supplies by Puerto Rican forces

positioned at El Morro Castle; and

     WHEREAS, In 1920, the Puerto Rican Regiment was renamed the 65th Infantry

Regiment by the reorganization Act of 1920. During World War II, the “Borinqueneers” were

sent to guard the Panama Canal. Later in the war, in 1944, they were deployed to North Africa,

Italy, Corsica, France, and the Maritime Alps, where they engaged in their first combat of World

War II and suffered 47 casualties; and

     WHEREAS, It was during the Korean War that the 65th Infantry Regiment, the

“Borinqueneers,” became noted for its valor, courage and exploits on the battlefield. In August of

1950, the 65th Infantry Regiment landed at Pusan, South Korea and faced a grave situation as

United States and United Nations forces were reeling from the attack from the north by

communist forces in June of 1950. The 65th Infantry Regiment immediately saw combat, helping

the United States to hold the Pusan perimeter and later taking an active part in the breakout that

drove the communist forces back to the north; and

     WHEREAS, Later in the Korean War, after Chinese forces had intervened and attacked

United States and United Nations forces, the United States Eighth Army had been overrun and the

1st Marine Division was completely encircled. The Marines fought their way to the port city of

Hungnam, the only escape route available, and it was the 65th Infantry Regiment that was tasked

with the crucial assignment of holding the perimeter around that vital city. The 65th Infantry

Regiment held their positions thereby allowing many thousands of United States and United

Nations forces to escape back to South Korea; and

     WHEREAS, Altogether, the 65th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War saw military

action in nine major campaigns and earned a Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit

Commendation, and two Republic of Korea Unit Citations. Individual members earned four

Distinguished Service Crosses and 124 Silver Stars. More than 750 had perished and 2,400 had

been wounded; and

     WHEREAS, In 1959, the regiment was allotted to the Puerto Rican National Guard,

where the 65th Infantry Regiment still serves to this day. In defense of our nation since 1899,

members of the 65th Infantry Regiment have earned 628 Bronze Stars, 258 Silver stars, 10

Distinguished Service Crosses, and more than 2,700 Purple Hearts; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby respectfully requests that the Rhode Island delegation to the United States Congress and

the United States Congress support legislation that would award the Congressional Medal to the

65th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Borinqueneers,” for their honorable military service; and

be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, the

Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate Majority

Leader.

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LC005096

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