Publication Date: May 2, 2023
Honor and Fidelity. That is the motto of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, the only Puerto Rican unit in the United States Army.
Since the regiment’s creation in 1899, the men of the 65th have proudly served the US through multiple wars, despite facing racial discrimination. Their courage, loyalty, and patriotism earned them hundreds of accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.
But the honor and fidelity of the men of the 65th came into question in 1952, in the midst of the Korean War, when ninety-one Borinqueneers were arrested and tried for desertion and disobeying orders. How could this happen in one of the most distinguished and decorated units of the Army?
In this telling of one of the forgotten stories of the Korean War, author Talia Aikens-Nuñez guides us through the history of the Borinqueneers and the challenges they faced leading up to what was the largest court martial in the entire war. Rediscover the bravery of the men of the 65th through Aikens-Nuñez’s thorough writing and the soldiers’ firsthand accounts of the Korean War.
Amid all the events concerning the Korean War, one tiny bit of history has remained relatively ignored. Author Talia Aikens-Nuñez shines the light on what led to the largest court-martial in the entire war.
With her book Men of the 65th, the author devotes more than 125 pages to explore what caused members of the esteemed Borinqueneers to seemingly alter their path of honor and fidelity to the United States.
The unit was the first segregated Latino unit in the Army, serving through multiple wars. The author takes a well-organized approach in providing historical information about the Puerto Rican Regiment that included both black and white Puerto Ricans fighting together as one group, which was not the case for a U.S. military still struggling with racial prejudice.
Through photos and interviews, the author details the successes of the 65th Infantry in the first two world wars. The challenge came with the Korean War and conflicting orders that ultimately forced the soldiers to make a decision between sacrificing themselves for no reason or staying alive.
It was interesting to note that the Army tried to keep the disciplinary action quiet at the time. But an outcry from friends and families ultimately led to changes to the original sentences, and all were given honorable discharges. Thanks to the author, readers can appreciate the legacy left by this esteemed group of soldiers.
The United States has always been known as a giant melting pot. If it weren’t for the bravery of those depicted in Men of the 65th, our country might not have the freedoms we enjoy today.
Talia Aikens-Nuñez is passionate about sharing with young readers the little-known stories, accomplishments, and contributions of people of color from all throughout history. Aikens-Nuñez is the author of Small Nap, Little Dream, a bilingual Spanish/English picture book. She and her husband live in Connecticut with their two children.
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