The Borinqueneers: The Puerto Rican Soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment, (Paperback)

<i>The Borinqueneers: The Puerto Rican Soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment</i> by Marisol Santiago is a thoroughly researched historical study of one of the most unique units in United States military history. Covering the period from the aftermath of the Spanish-American War through the regiment's recognition in the twenty-first century, the book follows the long and complex evolution of the 65th Infantry Regiment. Composed largely of Puerto Rican soldiers, the unit served across multiple major global conflicts, and Santiago presents their history through documented evidence drawn from military records, scholarly research, and archival sources rather than legend or myth. <p>At the heart of the book are the lived experiences of the soldiers who served in the regiment. It examines their formation under U.S. governance, their development during peacetime restructuring, and their expanded deployment during World War II and the Korean War. Throughout these periods, the narrative highlights the challenges faced by the troops, including language barriers, cultural identity struggles, and the demands of modern warfare. In doing so, the regiment is portrayed not only as a military unit but also as a lens through which larger questions of citizenship, belonging, and duty can be understood. </p><p>The most detailed sections focus on the Korean War, where the Borinqueneers saw intense combat and faced complex operational conditions, including controversial disciplinary issues during the early 1950s. Rather than simplifying these events, the book situates them within their broader historical and military context, examining how leadership decisions, communication breakdowns, and battlefield pressures intersected. It also considers how these experiences contributed to later reforms within the United States Army, and it concludes by reflecting on the regiment's legacy, including its long-awaited recognition with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.<br></p>

• The Borinqueneers: The Puerto Rican Soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment, (Paperback)
• Author: Fernan Vargas
• ISBN: 9798197256263
• Format: Paperback
• Publication Date: 2026-05-16
• Page Count: 112