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Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Here is a list of Hispanics who have made history in the military:
• Pfc. Guy Gabaldon: Marine Pfc. Guy “Gabby” Gabaldon, World War II hero, has the distinction of capturing more enemy soldiers than anyone else in the history of U.S. military conflicts. While serving as a Japanese interpreter, he received a Silver Star for obtaining vital information and capturing more than 1,000 enemy personnel in the face of direct fire. Private Gabaldon was able to persuade the weakened Japanese soldiers to surrender, in spite of their orders to fight to the last man. His Silver Star was elevated to a Navy Cross in December 1960.
• 65th Infantry Regiment: The 65th Infantry Regiment, based in Puerto Rico, was the only all-Hispanic unit to serve during the Korean War. Nicknamed the “Borinqueneers” in honor of a native Puerto Rican Indian tribe, the 65th displayed true heart and valor during the Korean War. During a three-year period from 1950 to 1953, the unit participated in nine major campaigns, earning a Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation and two Republic of Korea Unit Citations.
• 141st Infantry Regiment (36th Infantry Division): The 141st Infantry Regiment was a unit of the 36th Infantry Division from Texas. The 141st had a high concentration of Hispanics. The men of the 141st experienced 362 days of combat during World War II (137 in Italy, 204 in France, 17 in Germany, 4 in Austria).
Because of this intensive combat, the 141st sustained more than 6,000 casualties: more than 500 missing in action, 5,000 wounded and 1,126 killed. In recognition of their extended service and valor, members of the 141st received three Medals of Honor, 31 Distinguished Service Crosses, 12 Legion of Merits, 492 Silver Stars, 11 Soldier’s Medals, 1,685 Bronze Stars and numerous other commendations and decoration.
• “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead”: “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead” is one of the most famous battle cries. Admiral David Farragut, the most famous Hispanic participant in the Union forces, shouted this during the battle for control of the port of Mobile, Ala., during the Civil War. The torpedoes were actually anchored mines that blocked the entrance to the Mobile Bay. In the course of the battle, Admiral Farragut led his fleet into battle and into the bay with that cry. The union fleet, under Admiral Farragut’s direction, went on to defeat the Confederate forces and took control of Mobile.
(Courtesy of www.af.mil)
