I served with the 65th from Feb.1953 till April 1954. I was a Sgt. First Class.My last assignment was Operation/Intelligent Sgt. for the 1st Battalion.I was so proud to have served with the 65th it had a very distinguished fighting record. I also served in the following companies while with them, Baker company, Dog company and the last Head Quarters company. 1st Battalion. Our outfit spent all our time above the 38th parallel, in the Iron Triangle area.Again I say I am so proud to have served in this proud and distinguished outfit.God bless all the troops who didn’t return.
James E. McCarthy Sterling Heights, MichiganI have not posted here before. But..since this film was produced I do two things on October 28..every year. I watch this film with my children and I try to phone “Tripper” Cronhkite and catch up with him. It is an amazing film and reminds me that war is indeed hell and that we should remember always the men who fought it.
JSP
Note: John Scott Porterfield’s father, CAP John Porterfield (“A” Company Commander) was killed in action on October 28th during the Jackson Heights battle. “Tripper” Cronkhite’s father was Col. Willis Cronkhite, “F” Company Commander at Jackson Heights.
John Scott Porterfield OhioI want to say thank you for this extraordinary documentary, this movie has open my eyes. Due to this film I search family members of my wife and by surprice her grandfather and uncles were part of the 65th. here in CT we have a Motorcycle club by the name the Borinqueneers which Im proud to ride with them and the respect that I have for the 65th.
Felix ‘Boricua’ Diaz East Hartford CTMy 14 year old grandson is an ABC Scholar in Amherst, MA, and will be watching the documentary as a special aasignment at his boarding residence. He is curious about why I want him to watch the video but I am sure he will be proud to call himself a Puerto Rican and the great contributions we have made to the United States.

Noemí and the Crew of the “Borinqueneers”
When I was asked by my compadre, LTC (Ret) Bart Soto, who’s “Papá” was also a member of the 65th, to help with this project I thought it would be an honor. How wrong was I; it was instead a humbling experience. The honor in this experience was not my participation. It was, first, to have lent a small helping hand to such a group of dedicated professionals, who as a result of their efforts in documenting the history of the 65th, have received honors, awards and accolades from the Hispanic community as well as the entire Nation. The honor, secondly and most importantly, was the opportunity to learn the history of the Borinqueneers of the 65th Infantry Regiment. Like many others, I was aware of the 65th’s participation in the war only as a result of the naming of state highway 2 in Puerto Rico as the “Avenida 65 de Infantería. I was raised in our beloved Borinquen and not even in school did I hear of the history of our dedicated “Boricuas”. When I finally viewed the film, I came to realize the sacrifices made by and injustices that the Borinqueneers had been subjected to. I learned of their unselfish and valorous actions. The film is an emotional portrait of a great chapter in the history of Puerto Rico. Thanks to Noemí and the rest of the crew and most importantly, thanks to all the Borinqueneers of the 65th for giving me another reason to be proud of being a “Boricua”.
Note: Mario played an instrumental role in helping us translate the military terms in the film into Spanish. ¡Gracias a tí, Mario, por tu servicio en el Ejército y tu ayuda en el documental!
CW4 (Ret) Mario Gabriel Jr Atlanta, GAI did not get to watch The Borinqeneers documentary on my local PBS staion, so I purchased the film. I was blown away at how well it told the story about my brothers-at-arms – a story I had never known – until now.
I watched the firm with so much pride in my veins that I decided I could not keep it to myself. I tell everyone about it, especially, other Puerto Ricans I know or meet.
I sent the film as a gift to my brother (Army, Retired) in Colorado; he too shares the story.
Thank you so very much to everyone involved in putting together.
Sincerely,
Edwin Rodriguez
Senior Master Sergeant (Retired)
US Air Force
Thank you for bringing to light the sacrifices made by our Puertorican men way back from WW1. My uncle, Herminio Sepulveda, from Maguaguez, was a sergeant in WWII and was stationed in the Philippines. I have old pictures of him and some of his buddies back in the Philippines. I also have a cousin, Adolfo Quiles Perez, living in Mayaguez, that fought in the Korean war. He was wounded and has shrapnel in one of his legs. I have a picture of him in his army uniform. I would love to share these pictures and would like to know if there is a page where I can upload these pictures.
Needless to say, I’m very proud of my uncle and cousin and I’m more than glad that our history with the US is full of honor. Maybe as our history emerges from the dimness, we as a people will be given the respect we deserve. Respect that has been brought with the blood of our men that have fought and continue to fight for our rights as Puertorican Americans.
Yo Soy Boricua – pa que lo sepas!!
Bruny Sepulveda Bronx, NYThank you, my dear sister-Noemi, for immortalizing through this revealing documentary the courage, spirit and heritage of our Puerto Rican soldiers, especially during the Korean War. Their story was buried in time, forgotten, but you revived it to stir the memories and emotions of those who witnessed their contribution to freedom, and so that new generations may honor our heroes and feel proud to be Puerto Ricans!
Let the story live on…
Aida E. Figueroa Soulet Puerto RicoMy father Enrique Vega Lugo, CO. G, 65th Infantry Reg.received the Silver Star in 1952. Does anyone remember him and what were circomstances for him winning this medal?
Ronald Vega Pensacola, FL
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