For more than a century, Puerto Ricans have proudly served in the United States Armed Forces, fighting in nearly every major American conflict since World War I. From the trenches of Europe to the frozen mountains of Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, the skies over Libya, and modern military operations throughout the Caribbean, generations of Puerto Rican men and women have answered the call to serve.
In this episode of Chronicles & Cocktails, we explore the remarkable history of Puerto Rican military service, the legendary 65th Infantry Regiment—the Borinqueneers, the stories of two extraordinary heroes from Utuado, and Puerto Rico’s continuing strategic role in America’s defense.
If you’ve ever wondered why Puerto Rico has produced so many decorated soldiers, this is the story behind that legacy.
Puerto Ricans Have Served in Every Major American War
Following the Spanish-American War of 1898 and Puerto Rico’s transition to United States sovereignty, Puerto Ricans gradually became an integral part of the U.S. military.
Since then, Puerto Rican servicemen and women have participated in:
- World War I
- World War II
- The Korean War
- The Vietnam War
- Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada)
- Operation Just Cause (Panama)
- The Gulf War
- Operation Desert Storm
- Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan)
- Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Numerous peacekeeping, humanitarian, and counter-narcotics missions throughout the Caribbean and Latin America
Despite the island’s unique political status, Puerto Rican soldiers have consistently volunteered, served, and sacrificed alongside fellow Americans across every branch of the military.
The Legendary 65th Infantry Regiment — The Borinqueneers
No military unit is more closely associated with Puerto Rico than the 65th Infantry Regiment, better known as the Borinqueneers.
Originally organized in 1899 and formally designated the 65th Infantry Regiment in 1920, the unit became one of the most respected infantry regiments in the U.S. Army.
During World War II, the regiment served in Europe, earning an outstanding reputation for discipline and professionalism.
But it was during the Korean War that the Borinqueneers became legendary.
Fighting under brutal winter conditions, often against overwhelming enemy forces, Puerto Rican soldiers defended strategic positions, conducted bayonet charges, and earned hundreds of individual decorations for valor.
Although the regiment later endured controversy following the Battle of Outpost Kelly, history ultimately recognized their courage and sacrifice.
In 2016, Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Borinqueneers—one of the nation’s highest civilian honors.
Today, they remain one of the greatest military stories in Puerto Rican history.
Fernando Luis García: Puerto Rico’s First Medal of Honor Recipient
One of the most inspiring stories in American military history belongs to Private First Class Fernando Luis García, a United States Marine born in Utuado, Puerto Rico.
During the Korean War in 1952, García threw himself onto an enemy grenade to save the lives of fellow Marines.
He sacrificed his own life without hesitation.
For that extraordinary act of courage, he became the first Puerto Rican awarded the Medal of Honor, America’s highest military decoration.
His legacy continues to inspire Marines and Puerto Ricans alike.
Fernando Luis Ribas-Dominicci: A Hero of the Modern Air Force
Another son of Utuado would make history decades later.
Major Fernando Luis Ribas-Dominicci served as an F-111 pilot with the United States Air Force.
During Operation El Dorado Canyon in 1986, the American air strike against Libya, his aircraft was shot down over the Mediterranean Sea.
Today, his sacrifice is remembered every time travelers pass through Fernando Luis Ribas-Dominicci Airport (Isla Grande Airport) in San Juan, named in his honor.
His story reminds us that Puerto Rican military service did not end with Korea—it continues into the modern era.
Puerto Rico’s Strategic Military Importance
Puerto Rico has never simply been a place that sends soldiers overseas.
The island itself remains one of America’s most strategically important locations in the Caribbean.
Today, Fort Buchanan serves as the headquarters for major Army Reserve operations throughout the region.
Muñiz Air National Guard Base, located alongside Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, supports military airlift, disaster response, and regional operations.
Although Roosevelt Roads Naval Station officially closed in 2004, its facilities continue to play an important role in military planning and training.
As geopolitical tensions have increased in the Caribbean—particularly regarding Venezuela—Puerto Rico has once again become an important location for joint military exercises, Marine amphibious training, and advanced aircraft deployments.
Its geographic position places the island at the crossroads of North America, South America, and the Atlantic.
Why Veterans Day Matters in Puerto Rico
Every year on November 11, Puerto Rico joins the rest of the United States in observing Veterans Day.
Communities gather at monuments, schools, veterans cemeteries, and public ceremonies to honor those who have worn the uniform.
For many Puerto Rican families, military service is deeply personal.
Nearly every town on the island has sent sons and daughters into uniform.
Many never returned.
Their stories deserve to be remembered—not only on Veterans Day—but throughout the year.
Watch the Full Episode
In this episode of Chronicles & Cocktails, host Josué, The Spirited Historian, explores:
- The history of Puerto Ricans in the U.S. military
- World War I through today’s conflicts
- The legendary Borinqueneers
- The Korean War
- Puerto Rican Medal of Honor recipients
- Fernando Luis García
- Fernando Luis Ribas-Dominicci
- Fort Buchanan
- Roosevelt Roads Naval Station
- Muñiz Air National Guard Base
- Puerto Rico’s strategic role in the Caribbean
- Why Veterans Day remains one of the island’s most meaningful commemorations
Whether you’re passionate about Puerto Rico history, American military history, the Borinqueneers, or simply want to better understand the sacrifices made by Puerto Rican veterans, this episode offers a powerful journey through more than one hundred years of service.
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Chronicles & Cocktails explores the history, culture, food, cocktails, genealogy, architecture, and traditions that have shaped Puerto Rico and the broader Hispanic world.
Every episode combines historical research with cinematic storytelling, taking viewers beyond the guidebooks and into the real stories that built our island.
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