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Recognizing and honoring the tremendous bravery, contributions, and sacrifices of The Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment and calling on the United States Congress to award the Regiment the Congressional Gold Medal.
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WHEREAS, The 65th Infantry Regiment hailed from Puerto Rico and its members were known as the Borinqueneers; and
WHERAS, The unit was founded in 1899 and a remained a vital part of the United States Armed Forces until 1956, when the regiment was inactivated; and
WHEREAS, This distinctive military unit served in multiple conflicts and members were known for their fierce fighting spirit; and
WHEREAS, During World War I and in 1943 the Borinqueneers were sent to guard the Panama Canal and in 1944 were deployed in North Africa, Italy, Corsica, France and the Maritime Alps, where they engaged in their first combat and suffered 47 casualties; and
WHEREAS, In Korea the regiment saw its finest and gravest hour when facing off against Chinese soldiers in order to hold open the retreat route from the Chosin Reservoir; and
WHEREAS, On February 2, 1951, two battalions of Borinqueneers took part in the last battalion bayonet charge in United States military history, routing Chinese forces from 2 strategic hilltops south of Seoul; and
WHEREAS, Puerto Rican soldiers also defended a recuperation United States Army Division from infiltrating North Korean soldiers; and
WHEREAS, By the time the regiment was inactivated, more than 750 Borinqueneers had died and 2,400 had been wounded in the Korean War alone; and
WHEREAS, In 1959, the regiment was allotted to the Puerto Rico Army National Guard, where the 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry still serves; and
WHEREAS, While defending the United States, the brave soldiers earned 628 Bronze Stars, 258 Silver Stars, 10 Distinguished Service Crosses, and more than 2,700 Purple Hearts; and
WHEREAS, Their commitment and courage are indeed deserving of praise and gratitude of all Americans; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of their tremendous sacrifices and accomplishments it is fitting that the United States Congress award the 65th Infantry Regiment the Congressional Gold Medal; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of Philadelphia recognizes and honors the 65th infantry regiment on the tremendous sacrifices that they have made in defense of the United States of America. Their courage is truly an inspiration, and worthy of the recognition of the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of Philadelphia calls on the United States Congress to honor the service of the 65th Infantry Regiment by awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That Engrossed copies of this resolution be prepared and delivered to the 65th Infantry Regiment, the Latino American Legion of the American Legion, and the Philadelphia Congressional delegation, as a sincere expression of our gratitude and our support for their Congressional Gold Medal campaign.
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