65th Infantry Regiment "Borinqueneers" receives Congressional Gold Medal. What are your thoughts on this type of recognition?

2016-04-27T14:11:45-04:00

Response by SPC Gabriel Botero Jr., MSW, LCSW made Apr 27 at 2016 2:13 PM

2016-04-27T14:13:41-04:00

I'm interested in learning servicemember/veteran views on this act. The Borinqueneers where a Latino segregated unit of the United States Army that bravely fought and served the U.S. during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. For bravery and heroism the Regiment earned nine Distinguished Service Crosses, approximately 250 Silver Stars, over 600 Bronze Stars, and more than 2,700 Purple Hearts. Do you think this award hurts the Army (because of prior segregated policies) or helps the Army (recognizing a heroic unit and its contributions)?

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Apr 27 at 2016 7:17 PM

2016-04-27T19:17:33-04:00

Well because I'm a Puertorican and my grandfather served in the Korean War/Conflict I'm a lot more informed than many others on this. So I know many steps have been taken since Army Sec Hon Caldera directed a comprehensive study on the 65th back in 1999. I think it was a well deserved award for the 65th RCT but at least a handful of the individual awards they received during the war should've also been upgraded to MOHs. Nevertheless, this CGM was very deserving and appreciated by the 65th vets and the people of Puerto Rico. Very good step in the right direction.