65th Infantry Regiment (United States)

65th Infantry Regiment (United States)
Unit name	65th Infantry Regiment
Caption	Soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment, 1944
Dates	1899–present
Country	United States
Type	Infantry
Nickname	The Borinqueneers
Motto	Honor et Fidelitas
Battles	Spanish–American War; World War I; World War II; Korean War
Notable commanders	Col. Antulio Segarra; Lt. Col. Juan César Cordero Dávila

65th Infantry Regiment (United States) is a predominantly Puerto Rican regiment of the United States Army with a long service history in conflicts ranging from the early 20th century through the Korean War and beyond. The regiment, known popularly as the Borinqueneers, developed a distinct cultural identity tied to Puerto Rico while participating in campaigns alongside formations such as the Eighth Army (United States), XV Corps, and elements of the United States Army Pacific. Its legacy encompasses awards, institutional changes, and recognition by both United States Armed Forces and Puerto Rican civic leaders.

Formation and Early History

Organized in 1899 amid the aftermath of the Spanish–American War and the Foraker Act, the regiment drew recruits from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ponce, Puerto Rico, and other municipalities, serving under the aegis of the United States War Department and later the United States Department of War. Early commanders included officers commissioned through the United States Military Academy and Officer Candidate School (United States Army), and the unit served in garrison roles alongside the Philippine Scouts and elements of the Eighth Corps (United States Army). During the Progressive Era and under policies shaped by the Jones–Shafroth Act, the regiment's organization reflected debates in Congress of the United States over territorial troops and citizenship.

World War I and Interwar Period

During World War I, elements of the regiment performed coastal defense and training duties associated with installations like Fort Buchanan, while many Puerto Rican soldiers served in labor and support roles attached to formations bound for the Western Front and the American Expeditionary Forces. The interwar period saw the regiment affected by the National Defense Act of 1920 and budgetary shifts in the United States Congress, resulting in reassignments, peacetime garrison service, and participation in maneuvers with units such as the 45th Infantry Division and the 1st Infantry Division. Officers and NCOs engaged with professional institutions including the Infantry School (United States) at Fort Benning and the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth.

World War II and Postwar Service

In World War II, the regiment mobilized for service within the Caribbean Theater of Operations and later in occupation and training roles associated with the United States Army Caribbean and the War Department. Personnel served alongside units such as the 45th Infantry Division (United States), the 34th Infantry Division, and elements of the Army Air Forces, contributing to port security, convoy escort, and island defense in coordination with commands like United States Southern Command. After the surrender of Japan, the regiment participated in postwar duties including demobilization support and interactions with occupation authorities and veterans' organizations such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Korean War and Combat Operations

Federalized and deployed to the Korean Peninsula under the Eighth United States Army and X Corps (United States), the regiment fought in major engagements including the Battle of Chosin Reservoir theater support operations, operations near the Imjin River, and the protracted fighting along the Korean Demilitarized Zone sectors. Serving with formations such as the 2nd Infantry Division (United States) and coordinating with allied units like the Republic of Korea Army, the regiment earned citations from the United Nations Command and commanders including General Douglas MacArthur and General Matthew Ridgway acknowledged the unit's performance. Noted for actions at places where battalions engaged enemy formations of the Korean People's Army and the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, the regiment's soldiers received awards including the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and numerous Purple Heart decorations.

Post-Korean War Reorganization and Deployments

Following Korea, the regiment underwent reorganization under the Pentomic Division concept and later the Reorganization Objective Army Divisions reforms, resulting in battalion-level redesignations aligned with brigades of the United States Army Reserve and the United States Army National Guard for certain elements. The unit provided personnel for Cold War assignments at installations such as Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, and Fort Bliss, and its veterans participated in civic and political life connected to leaders like Luis Muñoz Marín and Sila María Calderón. In later decades, elements contributed to training missions, reserve mobilizations, and remembrance activities coordinated with institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution and Puerto Rican historical societies.

Unit Honors, Decorations, and Legacy

The regiment's honors include unit citations from the United States Army, battle streamers from campaigns recognized by the Department of the Army, and individual awards listed by the Center of Military History (United States Army)]. Its cultural legacy was commemorated by resolutions in the United States Congress and honors from the Government of Puerto Rico, while advocacy by veterans and historians led to recognition efforts culminating in national awards and public monuments. The regiment's story is preserved in archives at repositories such as the National Archives and Records Administration, the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, and university collections in San Juan, Puerto Rico, influencing scholarship on territorial soldiers, civil-military relations, and the broader history of United States military service by Puerto Ricans.

Category:United States Army regiments Category:Military units and formations of Puerto Rico