Awards

• International Latino Book Award Finalist
• Junior Library Guild Selection

Overview

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.

Full Product Details

9781728479149

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Reviews

The heroism of the U.S. Army's first segregated Latino regiment is explored in rich detail. After Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States in 1899, the Puerto Rican Battalion of Volunteer Infantry was formed. Two name changes later, they became the 65th Infantry Regiment. Despite participating in both world wars, they were regarded as inferior to White soldiers and relegated to noncombat duties until the Korean War. Also known as the Borinqueneers, they included both Black and White soldiers and became the pride of Puerto Rico, impressing their commanding officers with their teamwork, efficiency, and bravery. A dangerous assault on Hill 391, an exposed outpost in Korea, resulted in numerous casualties. Many soldiers from both the 65th Infantry Regiment and the 15th Infantry Division, who relieved them, refused to return to this blood bath; only Puerto Rican soldiers, however, were later court-martialed, reflecting the double standards with which they were treated. Survivors fought for decades to clear their names, and the regiment was finally awarded a Congressional Gold Medal by President Barack Obama in 2014. Their long-overlooked story is told in a riveting narrative style enhanced by maps, historical photographs, and eyewitness quotes. Detailed descriptions of Korean War battles set the backdrop for their heroism and triumph over adversity. The author also explores the broader context of Puerto Rico's multiracial society and military racism. Powerful stories from the battlefield illuminate courage and struggles for recognition. --Kirkus Reviews -- (3/15/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"""[T]old in a riveting narrative style enhanced by maps, historical photographs, and eyewitness quotes. . . . Powerful stories from the battlefield illuminate courage and struggles for recognition.""--Kirkus Reviews -- (3/15/2023 12:00:00 AM)"

"""[E]xtensive background information, numerous sidebars, maps, and archival photos help make the action historically and politically accessible. . . . A fitting tribute to the Borinqueneers . . .""--Booklist -- (4/1/2023 12:00:00 AM) ""An important read about an often forgotten piece of U.S. military history that celebrates its subject by forefronting their bravery in overcoming obstacles both foreign and domestic.""--Publishers Weekly -- (3/20/2023 12:00:00 AM) ""[T]old in a riveting narrative style enhanced by maps, historical photographs, and eyewitness quotes. . . . Powerful stories from the battlefield illuminate courage and struggles for recognition.""--Kirkus Reviews -- (3/15/2023 12:00:00 AM)"

Author Information

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 on a river in Connecticut with their two children.

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