HR0350 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Military heroes who served valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's freedom was at stake should be recognized by the people of this great nation; the courage with which these soldiers fought should never be forgotten; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long standing traditions, it is the sense of the members of this body to urge Congress to recognize the 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers, and recommend that the regiment receives the Congressional Gold Medal; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious honor is an award bestowed by the United States Congress and is, along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States; it is given to persons who have had an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized long after the achievement of the meritorious events; the Borinqueneers have truly had this kind of impact; and

WHEREAS, Mandated by Congress in 1899, the 65th Infantry Regiment from Puerto Rico, the Borinqueneers, played a prominent role in American military history; the regiment has participated in 3 United States wars, World War I, World War II, and, most notably, the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, Enlisted in the United States Armed Forces, the Borinqueneers courageously shed their blood, sweat, and tears to defend our freedoms; and

WHEREAS, The 65th Infantry Regiment of Puerto Rico earned the sole distinction of conducting the last battalion-sized bayonet charge in American military history; one battalion from the 65th Infantry Regiment, the Borinqueneers, gallantly faced overwhelming odds on February 2, 1951, while in combat against the 9th Chinese Infantry Division; and

WHEREAS, The 65th Infantry Regiment served with distinction and valor, earning two Presidential Unit Citations, an Army Unit Superior Award, a Navy Unit Citation, two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations, and the Bravery Gold Medal of Greece; and

WHEREAS, The Congressional Gold Medal of Honor would affirm that the 65th Infantry Regiment, the Borinqueneers, is an American national treasure, who served their country with honor and bravery; and

WHEREAS, In the spirit of true American heroism, the 65th Infantry Regiment of Puerto Rico is an inspiration to every American; they are exceptional soldiers who deserve to be recognized, commended, acknowledged, and remembered by the people of the State of Illinois and the citizens of this great nation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge Congress to recognize the 65th Infantry Regiment of Puerto Rico, known as the Borinqueneers, and further recommend that they receive the Congressional Gold Medal based on their gallant record of achievement on the battlefields, particularly in Korea from 1950 to 1953; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the President of the Senate of the United States; the Speaker of the House of Representatives; the members of the Illinois congressional delegation; Frank Medina, National Chair of the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Alliance; Anthony Mele, Chairman of the 65th Infantry Regiment Honor Task Force and great-grandson of Leonicio Beauchamp (65th Infantry Regiment of Puerto Rico - 1917); and Javier Morales, President of the 65th Infantry Veterans Association in Puerto Rico.