Heroes in Korea

Tony “Doc” Muniz 3rd Reconnaissance Company

I served with the 3rd Infantry in Korea. I am not a Puerto Rican, but I can proudly attest to the fact that I served alongside the brave men of the 65th during the last six months of my time on the front lines in 1952. As part of the 3rd Reconnaissance Company, we were attached to the 65th Regiment. My detachment was engaged in daily patrols; and it was here when I first met the men of the 65th. Soon after relieving the R.O.K. Division, the enemy launched a company-sized attack against one of our division's forward positions on a hill called "O.P. Nori", but it was repelled. For a time, the 65th had control of O.P. Kelly Hill (I don't recall which company it was). Soon a bitter battle erupted on Kelly Hill where the enemy began to concentrate its forces and its shelling. The enemy succeeded in capturing this hill, but by July of 1952, the 3rd Infantry Division managed to recapture it. The enemy continued to increase its shelling of these hills. Obviously, they really wanted to control them.

Despite the heavy shelling, the 3rd Reconnaissance' s 1st Platoon continued to patrol around these hills and especially around Kelly Hill. My platoon leader was Lieutenant Reynolds from Tucson , Arizona . The platoon sergeant was Sgt. Berganni. One day during this period, Lt. Reynolds received orders to go and relieve the men of the 65 who were holding a position at O.P. Kelly Hill. We prepared to go down the M.L.R. (main line of resistance) and into enemy territory toward the h ill. We were about halfway there when something happened that caused the password to change. When we arrived in the dark of night, the men of the 65th expected us to know the new password. We did not and they became wary and began to prepare to shoot. We did not blame them for being nervous, after all, they were almost surrounded by enemy troops. We knew that if they started to shoot, we would be unable to return fire as these were our friends. That's when Lt. Reynolds asked me to speak to them in Spanish (I'm Mexican-American) hoping I could convince them of who we were. I yelled out to them in Spanish several times. Finally, their lieutenant in charge called out that the person speaking Spanish could advance slowly by himself. I began to make my way up this very steep hill; as many of you will recall, these hills were steep, rocky, and some; like the one we were at, were criss-crossed with tunnels. When I reached the top, I met with their lieutenant and convinced him of who we were. The rest of my platoon was allowed to advance.

Around the 17th or 18th of September, the battle raged on and the enemy again attacked the 3rd Division's elements at O .P. Kelly Hill; capturing it in a bitter hand-to-­hand battle. One day during this fighting, we were caught in a fierce battle between the enemy and the 65th. My unit, as well as the men of the 65th were taking heavy casualties, and were in retreat toward the M.L.R. As we were retreating, we carried as many wounded as we could, but of course, we couldn't get them all. We were leaving behind many, mostly from the 65th, in the rice paddies between the M.L.R. and the hills. We finally reached the M.L.R. and just as we were about to take cover in the bunkers and trenches, a captain from the 65th walked to a nearby group and asked for volunteers to return to the rice paddies and rescue as many wounded men that were left behind as we could. I began to think about the rice paddies. It was not exactly an ideal place to be running from danger. The mud was shin high and it was common practice them to use human feces for fertilizer.

However, I began to put myself in the position of one of these wounded men who may be trying desperately to get out of there. So I walked up to this captain and told him that I would go. Soon after this, Lt. Reynolds, Cpl. Provenzano, and two others from my platoon also volunteered. Our Captain asked Lt. Reynolds if he was sure we wanted to go, after all, ­these were not men from our unit. Lt. Reynolds responded "if my men are going, then so am I!" To make matters worse, it was raining really hard. We made our way back to the rice fields which was still being fired upon. As we looked around, we noticed that many lay dead; however, we were able to save several men after making two or three more trips back. We also brought back the dead ones. It was a truly miserable day for a few of us and I don't know exactly how many lives were saved. My hope right now is that if any living members of the 65th Regiment or anyone involved in this tense and frightful incident is still alive to confirm what I am writing and contacts me.

I just want the surviving members to know that they have a friend in me and I will always stand by their side. Viva el Sesenta y Cinco!!! And Viva the 3rd Recon. Co. and the rest of the 3rd Infantry Division and all Korean War combat veterans. Speak out and let the world know so that maybe this hellish war will not truly become ''the Forgotten War."

Yours In Comradeship, Tony "Doc" Muniz

Falfurrias , Texas

      In a ceremony touched with emotion and respect, a hero was remembered and honored at the Cayey Armory in Puerto Rico.  Second Lt. Manuel Rodriguez of Cayey, Co. “G”, 65^th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army, was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement while serving in the Korean War.  The Bronze Star Medal was presented to his son Manuel as the late second lieutenant’s wife observed.

      Brig. Gen. Antonio Vicens, commander of the 92^nd Infantry Brigade (Separate), was on hand to present the medal.  “I continue to stress the accomplishments and sacrifice of those who served before us,” said Vicens.  “By remembering the history of the 65^th Infantry, our soldiers march towards a ready future.”

1st Battalion of the 65th Infantry Regiment at the National Guard Armory in Cayey, Puerto Rico at the Bronze Star Ceremony honoring Lt. Manuel Rodriguez.

      Maj. Jose D. Cintrón, commander of the 1-65^th Infantry Battalion. presented Mr. Rodriguez with a framed copy of the “Borinqueneers,” a commemorative painting of the 65^th Regiment during the Korean conflict.  “This is a gesture of gratitude and respect on behalf of the past, present, and future members of the 65^th Infantry Regiment,” said Cintron.

      Mr. Rodriguez, who was two years old at the time of his father’s death, described the second lieutenant as told to him by his mother.  “My father was totally dedicated to his family and to his parents.  He was somebody who cared about people,” said Rodriguez.  He was humble, intelligent, patriotic and always very proud that he served in the Army.”

Lt Manuel Rodriguez, Co. "G" Killed in Action 10/28/52	The widow and son of Lt.Rodriguez with some military officials.

      Second Lt. Rodriguez was awarded for his actions, which took place during the afternoon of October 27, 1952, on a hill referred to as “Jackson Heights” in Korea.  According to accounts, the roof of the bunker in which Second Lt. Rodriguez had established his command post caught fire as a result of an enemy mortar and artillery barrage. When nearby mortar ammunition ignited, he disregarded his personal safety during hostile fire to fight the flames. When several rounds of the mortar ammunition began to explode, he remained for a considerable period of time in the hazardous area extinguishing the flaming ammunition until he was assured the flames were completely put out.  Later, while moving along his men to check their safety, he was mortally wounded by incoming hostile mortar fire.  The Army credits Lt. Rodriguez’ outstanding heroism and courage for the extinguishing of the flaming ammunition before any friendly personnel were injured.

     At the closing of the ceremony, the hymn of the 65th Inf. Reg. was sung by the soldiers of the 1-65th Inf. Battalion.

We are pleased to have played a small role in finding the family of Lt. Manuel Rodríguez so that the Army could finally give them this long-overdue recognition.  Thanks to 65^th vet Marcelino Cruz of Juana Díaz, P.R. who served in both companies “C” and “G” from 1952-53.  Marcelino served with Lt. Rodríguez and remembered where his sister lived in Cayey.

Who was Agustín Ramos Calero? This Puerto Rican soldier, a native of Isabela, was known as the “One-Man Army” for receiving 22 decorations and medals from the U.S. Army for his heroics during World War II, becoming the most decorated Puerto Rican soldier of the island and the second most decorated in all of the United States during the World War II.

Agustín volunteered in 1941 where he was first assigned to the 65th Infantry Regiment and later served in other units. The fearless rifleman received the Silver Star, the third highest category of combat medals that the Army awards, for fighting against a squad of Nazis in Colmar, France in 1945 killing ten of them and capturing 21 shortly before being wounded himself.

During his brilliant military trajectory, he was also awarded 4 Purple Heart medals; a Presidential Citation as a member of a distinguished unit in combat; the European Theater of Operations medal with 4 representative stars for his participation in four campaigns; the Occupation of German Territory medal; the Victory Medal; the American Theater medal, and the Fourragere cord, granted by France to the Third Infantry Division of the U.S. where he was assigned, amongst other decorations. The Puerto Rican sergeant was wounded in combat on four occasions and served both in World War II and in the Korea War. Agustín Ramos Calero served 22 years in the Army and retired as Sergeant First Class in 1962. He died on February 10, 1989 at 69 years of age of terminal cancer and was buried in the National Cemetery in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. We must remember him and feel extremely proud of this national hero of Puerto Rico.

We are trying to identify what company of the 65th Infantry Agustín served with. If anyone has this information, please contact us.

Edited from information submitted by Julio Bonilla Serrano, Isabela, Puerto Rico.

Agustin Ramos Calero Mystery Solved!

Charles E. Boyle who served as a captain in the Operations & Intelligence Section of 65 th Regimental Headquarters from 1950-51 wrote in response to our request in the August 2005 issue inquiring if anyone knew what 65 th unit SFC Agustin Ramos Calero had served in. Mr. Boyle wrote about Agustin: “In Korea , he was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the regiment. He was personal assistant to Brigadier General (then Colonel) William W. Harris. I knew him well. He was modest, hard working and loyal.” Mr. Boyle now lives in Ireland . Thank you for clearing that up!

I was a member of 65^th Infantry and a Squad Leader. Towards the end of 1952, one night we went to the battlefield as usual.  The temperature was at about 35 or 40 degrees below zero.  When I gave the order to withdraw, two of my men did not get up.  I went to see what had happened to them and saw that they were frozen.  I tried to wake them up and they did not respond.  Then I examined them and noticed that a little heat was coming out from their nostrils so I decided that I could not leave them behind.  I then assigned two men to carry one of them and had another man help me carry the other one.  And I told the rest of the men to return and report what I was doing.  Well, the men forgot to report so when we arrived they began firing at us.  That’s when they remembered and informed the others and the shooting stopped.  Our compatriots nearly killed us.  If you publish this report I would be very grateful as I would like to find any of these buddies who may still be alive, although I do not remember their names.  Thank you very much.

Luis A Serrano
of Sabana Grande, PR
Heavy Weapons Co. - mid-1952/53

We were in Co. "G" of the 2nd Battalion of 296th Regiment of the National Guard in Puerto Rico. In 1950, when the 65th Infantry Regt. went to war in Korea, we were activated. They gave us intensive training for 16 months. We were the most prepared and the best regiment of the U.S. infantry at that time, according to the statistics of the North American officers who were continuously evaluating us. We were the hope of the 65th, which had suffered substantial casualties and were exhausted.

When they sent us to Korea, we thought were going to be kept together like we were in Puerto Rico. But no, they divided us into groups and distributed us amongst the various companies of the 65th which had suffered casualties. We were the first replacements from the National Guard that headed to Korea. Doña Fela, who was the mayor of San Juan at that time, sent us off with an orchestra. And in between tears and kisses as we passed El Morro fortress, there were crowds of people who had come to say goodbye.

They sent us in a cargo ship which had been prepared to take troops. It was called the Lt. Beaudoin, in honor of an American soldier who had been killed in World War II. How that ship rocked! We slept in four berths to a room. Many of the men, trying to be clever, took the lower berths and then received the blessings which sprouted from the mouths… the vomits of those in the upper berths.

We were like this for the 30 days which it took for the ship to arrive to Korea. Since we were going to the front lines, in Japan they treated us to some of the most delicious pieces of meat ever and we celebrated Christmas. It turns out they had served us horse meat and when my compatriots learned this, they began neighing. When they activated us, we swore oath for 2 years. Since we had been in training 16 months, after 8 months in Korea, they had to discharge us because we had fulfilled our 2 years. Nowadays I believe they sign you up for 4 years. 

About 4 years ago, we had a reunion of those of us who were left of the old Co. "G" of the 296th. The original strength of this company had been 850 men, but about 100 of us attended; and many of us were lame, in wheelchairs, frail or half-blind. That’s life.

Jaime Braulio of Mayaguez, PR
Co. “I”, 65th Inf. Reg., 12/51-6/52

SFC Jack P Tolbert Co. “B” 1953 Distinguished Service Cross recipient

Jack Tolbert: In November 1952, I arrived in Korea assigned to the 5th Regimental Combat Team- Baker Company on Heartbreak Ridge. In May 1953, I was reassigned to the 65th Regimental Combat Team, 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon. I was Squad leader of this group consisting of mostly Puerto Rican troops. Subsequently, these troops were reassigned to other platoons or sent home after serving bravely. Approximately 30 frontline sergeants and corporals were brought in to each platoon from other frontline divisions (such as the 24th, 25th, 45th, 7th Cavalry and others. Soon after our unit received approximately 200 troops fresh out of basic training in the United States. We pulled maneuvers and gave them basic hand-to-hand combat training. Shortly thereafter, we were sent to Outpost Harry for 11 days and returned back to our staging area. I then was sent to Japan for R &R.

On my return to duty, we were sent to the Missouri Line. On June 10th, we were alerted to a big push by the North Koreans and Chinese to recapture Seoul. Approximately 2 AM June 11th the enemy overran one bunker, and got behind the bunker held by Vincent Langone and myself.

Vincent Langone: The attack began around 3 o'clock in the morning on June 11th. That night we received heavy artillery and mortar fire. I had not seen or heard anything when Jack shouted to me "Vince, a chink". It happened so fast I had no time to react. A Chinese soldier threw a grenade into the bunker. Although I was only a couple of feet from the grenade, I was not killed. Sgt. Tolbert, realizing that I could not react in time and because of his big heart apparently jumped on the grenade, saving my life at the risk of his own.

Jack Tolbert: … I was wearing a flack jacket which saved my life. Immediately I reached for the phone and alerted the company commander. I remember talking to my Platoon sergeant and telling him to get all the troops out of the bunkers. I saw Chinese troops enter our bunker and steal whatever they could from the area. I was so afraid they would use their weapons to make a pincushion of me, that I played dead, and after a while, they left the area. The next thing I remember was seeing GI boots beside me. They belonged to PFC Marion Knutson who found I was still alive…

Marion Knutson: When I reached the bunker I found Sgt. Tolbert lying near the entrance. Jack immediately warned me to leave saying there were too many enemy still around and that it wasn’t safe to be there. I struck a match and was able to see that Jack’s legs were amputated except for a few shreds of flesh. I cut the remaining shreds of flesh. I was able to use my belt as a tourniquet on one leg and something else on the other. Eventually someone appeared with a stretcher and we put Sgt. Tolbert on it.

Jack Tolbert surrounded by his old buddies from the 65th (left to right) Vincent Langone, Jim Cozzolino and Marion Knutson. Nov. 11, 2003

Sgt. Tolbert may have saved the day but he lost the use of his legs on that fateful day in June. Although some believe that his heroic actions merited a Medal of Honor, the highest honor awarded to a soldier in battle, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second most important award.

Left to right: KWVA President Col. Lou Dechert (Ret.) (standing) and the Executive Council recognizing 65th vet Jack Tolbert.

Tolbert served with the 65th Inf. Regt. after it had been desegregated of Puerto Rican soldiers and integrated with continental soldiers. Interestingly, although a select few who served with the 65th probably should have received Medals of Honor, the regiment has none. There are efforts being made to obtain a Medal of Honor upgrade for Jack Tolbert. Historical researcher, Steve Jones, would like to locate the following people that have information regarding Mr. Tolbert and his receiving the Distinguished Service Cross. All of these men were in the 65th infantry in June of 1953 and could help him greatly: Lt. Col. St. Clair, Capt. Hernandez, Lt. Torres. If anyone has any information, please contact us.

William Feliciano Ruiz pictured here in Germany while stationed with the 65th ready to return to Puerto Rico, 1945.

The First Puerto Ricans at the Battlefront

By WILLIAM FELICIANO RUIZ, ESQ.
Originally published in “EL VISITANTE” Weekly
(Dec. 30, 2001-Jan. 5, 2002)

In the December 23, 2000 edition of the weekly paper “EL VISITANTE”, there was an article written by my old law professor, J.J. Santa Pinter, titled “The First Bomb on Christmas Eve of That Year of 1944”, where he recounts his experiences during World War II in his native country of Hungary with the destruction caused by the bombs and his arrival, after escaping from a Nazi forced labor camp to his house in ruins, on December 24, 1944.

What Santa Pinter did not know was that his former pupil who is writing this, also had an unforgettable experience of war in France the same Christmas night of 1944...

In 1943, our Regiment, the 65th Infantry, was stationed in Panama, with rumors that we would be sent to the battlefields. Since it did not have an artillery unit, they began to organize a company of cannons. They selected a group of soldiers from the 62nd Artillery and another group from the Anti-tank Company of the 296th Infantry, which I was a part of, and sent us to Panama through Guantanamo integrating us into the 65th Infantry where they formed the Cannon Company. Later we were moved to Fort Eustis, Virginia and then sent to North Africa after the great Desert Tank Battles when Gen. George S. Patton beat the Desert Fox, the German Erwin Rommel.

In Morocco, North Africa next to Oran and Casablanca, we received an intense training in preparation for the invasion of France. We arrived at the Port of Marseilles at the beginning of September, 1944 and after certain special missions, we were sent on December 13, 1944 with our 105mm cannons to the front lines to support the Third Battalion of the 65th in the Maritime Alps, which are located on the borders of France and Italy.

As we were climbing that narrow and tortuous road with several feet of snow in the hillsides, we began to listen to the clatter of machine guns and the explosions of artillery. We positioned our cannons at around five o'clock in the afternoon. My squad, Cannon #2, had the assignment of shooting the first 45 lb. bullet at the Germans and this is how we began our odyssey in that war theater with temperatures reaching below zero and with no previous combat experience. Our squad, with its two cannons, was commanded by Sgt. Valladares of Mayaguez and my Section by Sgt. Ramón Ramírez of Bayamón. I was the artillery gunner of my squad; and amongst my buddies, I remember William López, Pedro Ríos, Basilio Agosto, residents of the Metropolitan Area; Paco Charriez, today living in Lajas, and Chamorro of Ponce.

The Regiment was commanded by Colonel Ford, the Third Battalion by the well-remembered Colonel César Cordero Dávila and our company was commanded by Captain George Norris of Georgia. The First Sergeant was Herminio Meléndez Vela of Ponce and Lieutenant Felipe Vías was the Executive. Historically, it was the first time that a unit of Puerto Ricans entered into action and we were boys between the ages of 18 and 25.

Of our six cannons, four were positioned and two were in reserve. Our primary mission was to have continuous shifts of cannons firing night and day aimed at the Germans who were entrenched in Fort Forca, in the Piera Cava area, and give support to the infantrymen of Third Battalion. At night the sky would ignite with artillery and occasionally you could hear a soldier sing a tango... "My dear Puerto Rico, when will I see you again ... ", parroting the singer Carlos Gardel’s version of “My dear Buenos Aires” ... and in the silence of the night we would accompany him in the chorus. In fact, one day we visited Toulouse in the South of France where the “Creole Thrush” singer had been born.

And Christmas came. Since we had to protect ourselves from the German patrols, Vicente Lanza, a brave combatant who now lives in Ponce, was in charge of placing explosive mines surrounding our cannons. The night of December 23, 1944, while we were resting a bit in our trench (dugout), we reminisced about our families in Puerto Rico and remembered the get-togethers, the Christmas Eve Masses, the roast suckling pig and tears fell from our eyes. At about four o'clock in the morning, a mine explosion woke us up. “The Germans” - thought Ramírez. And in a deathly silence we positioned ourselves on guard since even the smallest noise might make us victims to the German bullets, but the hostile patrol never arrived. At dawn, we immediately went to the place of the explosion with our carbines ready to capture the German who had stepped on the mine in case he was still alive or to recover his corpse. But to our great surprise, we looked in disbelief – as if with children’s eyes waiting for a Christmas gift – and saw that is was an enormous porcupine that had stepped on the mine.

“A wild dead pig in the snow”, we said in unison ... and ... it was already December 24th. We could not contain our emotions. How did it arrive there? Who sent it to us? We wondered and stared at each other looking for an explanation for this Christmas gift. “It was a gift from God”, murmured Sgt. Ramírez, who would later became Governor of the Lions Club of Puerto Rico and is now deceased.

Shortly thereafter Chago, the cook, arrived with his sharp machete. We searched for firewood, made a fire, cut a pole of pine and there we placed part of the porcupine. Basilio had a hidden bottle of wine and Pedro another one of Eau de Vie (Water of Life, which was nothing more than tears of French mangroves). We improvised some spices, found grapes and old apples and celebrated that Christmas of 1944 with roast porcupine, a few drinks and singing Puerto Rican folkloric Christmas songs softly on the snow-covered French soil and to the sound of artillery furrowing the skies. We saved the leftovers of the meat in the snow which lasted us until the New Year. Later we celebrated the end of the year by firing twelve bullets from each cannon towards the enemy, each bullet containing the phrase “Happy New Year” written in chalk.

In that front, as I recall, died Colonel Ford, Captain Espada and Corporal Arístides Cales of Guayanilla.

Years later, we erected the first monument in Puerto Rico to honor those who did not return to our native town of Lajas.

On February 26, 1945, we were relieved from the battlefront. We returned for a few days to rest in the French Riviera, very close to the Alps and then on Easter crossed the Rhine River, finally entering Germany, where we stayed until the end of the war.

When we returned to Puerto Rico on November 9, 1945, the Puerto Rican people came out in a victorious reception at the Military Terminal of Buchanan. On a trip to Normandy several years later with Cardinal Luis Aponte Martinez, my wife Ana, and other Puerto Ricans, we visited the cemetery where they put to rest thousands of American soldiers. And there is a monument to the old cannon 105mm Howeitzer aimed towards the sky as a symbol of respect and courage in preserving the values of Justice, Freedom and Democracy.

We wish our compatriots of the 65th Infantry Regiment a Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year.

By Brig. Gen. Roberto Marrerro-Corletto
Edited by LTC Bart Soto (Ret., US Army Reserve)

After the Korean War, the 65th Inf. Regt. was deactivated and its colors retired until Feb. 15, 1959 when the 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry raised its colors again and took its place as a regiment of the Puerto Rico Army National Guard. The 65th joined its other two sister regiments, the 295th and 296th as the infantry components of the Puerto Rico National Guard’s 92nd Infantry Brigade (Separate).

Since September 11, 2001, the 92nd Infantry Brigade (Separate) and its subordinate units, including 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry, have been mobilized and performed duties around the world providing security in what the Army calls, “the Global War on Terror (GWOT) in Operations Guardian Mariner, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.”

The 65th Infantry trained its small units in Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) rotations at Fort Polk, Louisiana. In April 2001, one infantry platoon from 1st Battalion, 65th Inf. Regt. augmented the 10th Infantry (Mountain) Division in its scheduled JRTC rotation. Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Inf. Regt. served as the Opposing Force (OPFOR) Company in the same rotation. In April 2002, Company A, 1st Battalion, 65th Inf. Regt. provided support as OPFOR augmenters at the Combat Maneuver Training Center (CMTC), Höenfels, Germany, followed by Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Inf. Regt. on November 2002. These deployments provided valuable lessons for our soldiers in Operation Enduring Freedom (the liberation and defense of Afghanistan) and its sequels and branches.

In response to the terrorist threat to U.S. forces worldwide, and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the 65th Infantry has provided anti-terrorism force protection for vital installations and facilities.

From the onset of Operations Noble Eagle (the defense of the homeland USA against terror) and Enduring Freedom in September 2001, the 65th Infantry has augmented the security of Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, and the Headquarters, United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), at Miami, Florida.

As part of the deterrent force in support of Central Command (CENTCOM) operations, two infantry companies (B and C) provided security to Patriot Batteries and other key facilities in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia from June 2002 to October 2002.

As the USA began to deploy forces in preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom (the liberation and defense of Iraq), the US Transportation Command quickly determined that the current anti terrorism force protection manpower available were insufficient. The protection of our ships became a critical concern. Security detachments were placed aboard all Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessels, to provide defense. This was called Operation Guardian Mariner.

The Subject Matter Experts (SME), the Marine Corps, set in motion a plan to train a sizeable provisional force. The mission was given to the Puerto Rico National Guard’s 92nd Infantry Brigade (Separate) then under the command of Brigadier General Roberto Marrerro-Corletto.

On February 4, 2003, the 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, less its D Company, was augmented with soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 296th Infantry and tasked to provide Security Detachment Teams. A score of soldiers from other units of the Puerto Rico Army National Guard were also attached to the force. In March 2003, the Marine Corps trained the soldiers on maritime security in a centralized manner. The 92nd Infantry Brigade trained and deployed Security Detachment Teams without missing an assigned ship. It also provided top notch officers and noncommissioned officers to liaison duty in Headquarters, Military Sealift Command (MSC), Washington, DC; the MSC Operations Center, Norfolk, Virginia; and at MSC locations in: Naples, Italy; Souda Bay, Crete; Kuwait Naval Base, Kuwait; Bahrain; and the Island of Diego Garcia. Liaison officers were also provided to the XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery and deployed, as necessary, to continental US (CONUS) ports for deployment and retrieval operations of Security Detachment Teams on both coasts.

In recognition of this service, and their warfighter spirit, soldiers deploying as Guardian Mariners and those liaison officers deployed to the CENTCOM area of operation were authorized to wear the XVIII Airborne Corps “dragon” insignia as the Foreign War Service Insignia upon their first return to CONUS, a distinction displayed by veterans in the right sleeve of their uniforms.

The ship mates and crew of the vessels commended the Guardian Mariners charged to protect them. Alert in the high threat areas, the maritime choke points, and the demonstration of their ability to respond, deterred attacks and acts of piracy on protected ships.

On July 2003, several security detachment teams received new missions and reorganized to augment US Army Military Police units charged with the custody of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, with infantry soldiers. Additionally, many Operation Guardian Mariner soldiers were used to augment the security of the Pentagon.

Morale remained high and remaining Security Detachment Team members continued on to their second and third deployment overseas. Some Security Detachment Teams remained on mission for periods in excess of one hundred twenty (120) days. While embarked, strict operational security procedures maintained the soldiers out of communication with their families for extended periods of time, a hardship they endured dutifully and honorably.

The soldiers of the 92nd Infantry Brigade (Separate) eagerly accepted multiple missions in times of international crisis, detaching many of its units to meet immediate requirements for anti-terrorism/force protection missions worldwide, thus, freeing the Active Army so that it could meet the emerging threats.

The 1st Battalion of the 65th Infantry Regiment distinguished itself and served our country in multiple capacities as security police, infantrymen, trainers, liaison officers, and guardian mariners. The proud soldiers of the 65th Infantry continue to serve our country in the Global War on Terror with the Maltese Cross on their dress uniforms and living their motto, “honor and fidelity”.

Brig. General Roberto Marrerro-Corletto was Commander of the 92nd Infantry Brigade (Separate) from 1999-2004. Brig. Gen. Antonio J. Vicens is the present Commander.

On May 13, 2004, the New York Daily News reported that the Army may have found the remains of three soldiers from the 65th Inf. Regt. who were killed in a heroic charge against Chinese troops near the town of Sinmok-Tong in North Korea on July 17, 1953. Cpl. Howard Beard, Pvt. Tomás Martínez Candelario and Pvt. Ramón Delgado Gonzalez, members of Company “B” were last seen charging up Hill 433 in the face of heavy artillery from Chinese Communist troops entrenched in fortified bunkers. All three men were posthumously awarded the Silver Star for their actions that day.

In order to positively identify these remains, the Army is searching for these fallen soldiers’ surviving families. We sent out an email to our readers through our online newsletter requesting help in this search. Immediately we received responses. Rafael Delgado of Texas conducted genealogical research and contacted his cousin, Celso A. Hernández of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Celso found Delgado González’ sister, Margarita, living in Juncos, PR. Over in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Sgt. José Hernández volunteered to have his mother, Carmen Ramos of Mayaguez, P.R., call the names on a list we received from Rafael Delgado and although she was unsuccessful with the list, she mentioned the search to an acquaintance who happened to know the Martínez Candelario family. The family was absolutely flabbergasted to learn that their loved one's remains may have been found. They had kept a burial plot empty in his honor hoping that Tomas would be found someday and returned home. Tomás Martínez Candelario is survived by his widow, Felicita Tirado of Guaynabo, a daughter, María de los Angeles Martínez Tirado and a son, Dickson Martínez. Another volunteer, Ed Blanco, was vacationing in Puerto Rico with his family and offered to visit and take photos of the Martínez Candelario family.

Tomás Martínez Candelario of Mayaguez, PR (“B” Co., killed in action 7/17/53) Silver Star Recipient.	Felicita Tirado and her granddaughter, Janet, holding a photo of her husband Tomás Martínez Candelario who perished in Korea.

Sadly, although both families contacted the Army weeks ago, nothing has been done. The Army said it was conducting DNA analysis to positively identify the remains, but no DNA samples were taken from the families. We are left puzzled as to why the Army would search for these families and then do nothing. Meanwhile, Cpl. Howard Beard’s family has not yet been found. Beard's last known address was on W. Wendell Ave. in Chicago.Nevertheless, we are extremely proud to have been able to help through our network of friends who receive THE PUERTO RICAN SOLDIER Online newsletter and of our community for going out of their way to find these families. Thank you to all of those individuals who contacted us offering to help. And a special thanks to Col. Arnie Albert (Ret.) for sending us the Daily News article. We commend you! Photos by Ed Blanco

By LTC Baltazar (Bart) Soto
(Retired, US Army Reserve)

1st Lt. Walt B. Clark

First Lieutenant Walt B. Clark was Platoon Leader of the 2nd Platoon of “C” Company “Borinqueneers”. He had recently graduated from the Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina and Infantry Officer Basic Course. The young 21-year old Clark looked at his assignment as a challenge in leadership, since he was selected to lead these mostly Spanish-speaking soldiers from the tropical island of Puerto Rico. Many officers at the time thought it was the kiss of death to be assigned to the Puerto Rican Regiment. The critics mockingly called the regiment the “seeeexty feeeeth” trying to imitate the Spanish accent of most of the unit’s Puerto Rican soldiers.

Ever since he had first taken command of the 2nd Platoon, in March 1952, Lt. Clark wanted to instill in his men aggressiveness - “the spirit of the bayonet”. He always had a kitchen grinding stone present so his men could sharpen the 10 inch blade of their bayonets and insisted they carry their bayonets with them at all times. He even ordered his men to sleep with their bayonets affixed to their M-1 rifles. Finally after months of outpost duty he and his platoon would get the chance to attack. The mission was conceived on short notice. The orders were to: “raid Chinese outpost positions on Hill 167 in stealth and darkness, capture prisoners and leave a squad of volunteers on 167 to observe Chinese Main Line of Resistance (MLR) area – squad to remain for 48 hours”.

Clark ’s Platoon mission would be to actually go into the objective, seize the hill, and take the prisoners. The rest of the company would provide suppression, security, and support. Third Division had taken no Prisoners of War for a number of weeks. The Company Commander, Captain Henry E. Hutcheson, explained that the S-2 (Intelligence) estimated half an enemy squad was occupying the objective as an outpost. So his platoon should have no problem overwhelming the Chinese. A tank section on the MLR would provide support by fire. After assembling in darkness near the steep slopes of Hill 250, along the Outpost Line of Resistance, the Company moved out 18 July 1952 and crossed the Line of Departure (LD) at 24:00, so contact with the enemy would occur on 19 July. The company became lost in the dark. Noise discipline was very poor, undoubtedly alerting the enemy very early. It was not until the sun began to rise that they found the objective, negating the “stealth” part of the mission. The 2nd Platoon began the assault moving to the objective from the north.

The Chinese allowed the 2nd Platoon scouts to move within a few feet before opening up with a murderous fire of four Soviet Maxim Heavy Machine Guns, small arms, and grenades. The infantrymen instinctively threw themselves down to hug the earth and take cover. A Chinese soldier on top of the hill signaled with a large red flag. Lt. Clark and the 2nd Platoon quickly found out what that signal meant. The Chinese, with complete disregard for their own soldiers, fired mortar and artillery shells into their battle position as 2 nd Platoon advanced. Clark immediately charged into the enemy position leading his platoon of infantry with fixed bayonets shouting “Arriba Muchachos!” Platoon Sergeant, Master Sgt. Santos Candelario, helped to rally the rest of the platoon following their Lieutenant.

The Lieutenant fearlessly led his men into the position which consisted of three concentric trench lines on the hill. Lt. Clark was wounded by an enemy grenade but continued his charge. He hurled grenades and shot several enemy soldiers while charging the hill. As he entered a trench and turned a corner he came face to face with a Chinese soldier. Several things happened instantaneously within split seconds. They both raised their weapons and fired at each other. Clark ’s M2 Carbine jammed but the enemy fired a burst from his Soviet Model PPSh41 “Burp Gun” hitting Clark in the thigh. Clark threw his carbine away and instinctively jumped on the soldier. At the same time he took his steel pot off and began beating him senseless. When the soldier moved Clark remembered he still had his Smith & Wesson 45 revolver and shot him. The remaining Chinese nearby hurled several grenades at Lt. Clark wounding him in the legs, knee, and face.

Cpl. José Otero-González ran thru the hail of fire, following his Lieutenant, firing his rifle, and throwing hand grenades at the Chinese. Near one of the enemy trenches, he found his platoon leader injured and stretched out on the ground. Otero told his Lieutenant, “I’ll save you”. Private First Class (PFC) Maximino Paoli had also run up with Otero when suddenly Paoli was knocked down wounded in the head. Clark thought Paoli was dead. Paoli jumped back up furious and bayoneted the two Chinese who were throwing grenades directly at Lt. Clark. Later Paoli discovered a bullet wedged in his helmet between the liner and the steel pot. Cpl. Otero spotted another Non-Commissioned Officer and rescued him also, risking his own life thru the rain of enemy bullets, grenades, mortars and artillery.

The intensity of the enemy fire was so severe, it did not allow the other two rifle platoons of “C” Company to the east to provide any support. The entire 2nd Platoon, following the example of their leaders, fought in the trenches hand to hand. Small Chinese bunkers were blown up by a 57mm recoilless rifle team accompanying the platoon or were directly assaulted by the infantryman. As the brutal fight progressed for several hours, it turned out the enemy “half squad” of 3-4 riflemen was a lot more, instead possibly an enemy Company of a hundred. Perhaps the bravest man Lt. Clark witnessed that day was the Medic, PFC Demetrio Villalobos-Melendez. With all the death and maiming going on in the bloody brawl, he calmly went about the business of saving lives, moving thru the fire and attending to the wounded. For this he would eventually receive the Bronze Star.

The 2nd Platoon was already intermingled with the Chinese on the hill and our tanks could not risk firing and killing their own troops. On its own and outnumbered at least two to one, 2nd Platoon still managed to chase the enemy from the position, then machine gun the Chinese who were running away back to their lines. The 2nd Platoon succeeded in capturing two Chinese Prisoners in the gruesome melee.

Clark and his Platoon of Puerto Rican infantry owned Hill 167 until they received orders to withdraw from the position. The Lieutenant refused medical aid and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he moved through the heavy hostile fire assisting in the evacuation of the wounded. By this time, the two enemy prisoners they had captured had already been killed by the intense Chinese fire.

Lt. Clark was the last member of 2 nd Platoon to leave the enemy position. The platoon took all their wounded and dead back with them, including the upper half of one of its soldiers. No one was left behind. During the retreat to the MLR the Chinese fired an estimated 3,000 rounds of mortar and artillery at the retreating platoon. Clark was unable to keep up with his men. During his lonely walk back, he was lifted off the ground three times by the 122mm mortar shelling along the withdrawal route. Miraculously, he eventually reached the Battalion Aid Station at approximately 11:00 hours.

Nine Bronze Stars and two Silver Stars were awarded to “C” Company for their heroism that day, mostly to the soldiers of 2nd Platoon. Cpl. Otero received the Bronze Star and Captain Enrique A. Vicens, a Medical Officer of the 65 th Infantry, received the Bronze Star for risking his life to aid the wounded as they reached the MLR. C Company First Sergeant, Master Sgt. Rafael E. Balzac, also assisted in evacuating a wounded comrade. Upon reaching friendly positions, he refused medical aid for his wounds, and after calling for volunteers to accompany him, left his position of relative safety to further assist in evacuating the wounded. As he was carrying a fallen comrade to safety on his shoulders, the entire area was brought under a devastating barrage of enemy mortar fire, which killed him. 1st Sgt. Balzac was awarded the Silver Star, posthumously. His body was not recovered until a couple of days after the battle. The casualties that day were 7 killed and 24 wounded… or over 50% of the Platoon.

Lieutenant Clark was awarded the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts for six separate grenade wounds and the bullet wound he received. During his long recovery from his wounds at the hospital, Clark learned that his troops had named that vicious fight as the “Mambo of Hill 167” (when the men of the 65 th were going to “rumble” in combat, they would refer to it as “going to the Mambo”). 

Today Hill 167 is deep inside the Demilitarized Zone near North Korea.

Writer Bart Soto and Walt Clark are interested in finding any of the individuals who participated in the above mentioned battle. Please contact us if you have any information.

Second Platoon of “C” Company - 1952

Gen. Larry Ellis, Commanding General of Forces Command (FORSCOM) pinning the Silver Star on Lt. Col. George D. Jackson.

65th Inf. Retired Veterans present at ceremony (left to right): Staff Sgt. Gabriel Soto, M/Sgt. Germán Silva, SFC Vidal Cordero, M/Sgt. Isidoro León

Written by LTC Baltazar Soto

SILVER STAR CITATION

Lt. Col. George D. Jackson (left) with Lt. Col. Baltazar Soto, the man who was instrumental in helping Jackson receive his Silver Star.

Capt. JACKSON distinguished himself by heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Manyon-ni, Korea. On the afternoon and evening of 27 October 1952, Capt. JACKSON was in command of Company “G” approximately two kilometers forward of the MLR (Main Line of Resistance). At about 1800, after intense artillery and mortar fire the enemy attacked the outpost. Constantly exposed to enemy fire, Capt. JACKSON moved among his men, coordinating the defense of the outpost and encouraging them until the enemy assault was stemmed. One of his troops had his foot blown off by incoming artillery, Capt. JACKSON, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, went to him under heavy shelling and evacuated him to a defilade position. At 2100 a tremendous artillery barrage pounded the outpost for 30 minutes with an estimated battalion of enemy attacking through their own artillery fire to storm the outpost. Capt. JACKSON’S courageous actions and coolness under fire inspired and rallied his men. Capt. JACKSON’S outstanding gallantry in combat and his devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Photos by Lt. Col. Baltazar Soto

Sgt. Jose E. Colon (Ret.) Casselberry, FL

I joined Company "H", 65th Inf. Regt. on March 27, 1937. We had the old soldiers and the recruits. In 1941, I left the Regiment to Hdqtrs. Puerto Rican Department. I arrived in Korea on October 1952 and was assigned to the Personnel office of the 7th Inf. Regt., at Div. Hdqtrs. A month later, I returned to the 65th Inf. Regt. as a Sgt Major. Fifty years later come back clear to my mind. I remember December 31, 1952, in the Chorwon Valley, at midnight with WO Resto, El Pibe, Valentín and others. Being at the site of the Tank Co., very cold, waiting for the new year, sharing news from home, with a tear here and there. Having Mass next day with Father Bacon in the open snowy field using the hood of the jeep as the Altar. At "eighty-three", these memories are still fresh in my mind. We received sections of the newspaper from home with news about members of the Regiment that were not exactly the way it happened. I should know, I was there. Then orders for the reorganization of the Regiment came. Only ten percent of the Puerto Ricans would stay with the Regiment. I would stay and see friends go, while receiving in some cases those not wanted from other units. The Borinqueneers were gone! Memories they are. Then the Regiment was ready to go back to combat. Was it a success to have integrated the regiment? Although many Puerto Rican lives may have been saved, and with all the respect to the experts, I believe it was a hell of a mess. I was there. News of the armistice came on July 27, 1953. Headquarters was so close to the front lines that even if it was calm at 11 in the morning or 5 in the afternoon, someone would fire an artillery round to zero-in, just in case. Was that necessary or stupid? Hell broke loose. One shell landed by the kitchen missing Father Bacon (whom I believe should still be scared if he is alive). All the motor vehicles which were parked at the same spot because there was no supposed war, were destroyed. The injured were taken to the medics’ tents where another round landed on top of them. At least one Puerto Rican lost his life. By seven, a clerk and I were trying to report the casualties from what was left of our office (tent). I believe in God. I always have. I guess that is why I am still around to express my admiration for those who had the valor to defend the right to be free. Really not everything was work, nervousness, and more work -- only about eighteen hours a day. There were very funny instances, like the personnel officer assuring the adjutant that he was standing at attention while receiving a good chewing over the telephone about forty miles away. Or arranging a parade with the Division Band to present a letter of commendation to a Mess Sgt who had lied to the Executive Officer. It had to be a Borinqueneer. Sometimes fun, even in combat helps calm the nerves.

On November 1953, I received my orders to return home. I arrived at Fort Buchanan at two AM on December 21. Before going home to my family, I received orders for my next assignment to the same desk I had left a year before. I recently retired for the third time after eight years of volunteer service for the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. A Bronze Star, a Certificate of Merit, Awards? Yes, I have them. But nothing compares with the privilege and the HONOR to have served with the 65th Infantry Regiment.

Sgt. Jose E. Colon (Ret.)
Casselberry, FL

Sgt. José Negrón Frau (Ret.) Co. "A"

“The night of February 2, 1951, the Company Command Post was surrounded by guerrillas. They attacked, burned and destroyed the Command Post about 12:30 AM. At the beginning of the hostilities, Lt. Paul Lavergne, who at the time of the attack was ill at the Command Post, was shot and died instantly several feet away from me. Also, Company Clerk, CPL Matilde Rodriguez, was killed a few yards away.”Jose A. Negron remembers: “Shortly afterwards, the only Officer present Lt. Julian Lockerman, shouted "let's get the Hell out of here!" and he marched away abandoning us the in the midst of bullets and ordnance everywhere. We felt we should have followed, but I decided to make a stand by remaining there and continue fighting for what was left of our Command Post.”

Pedro Navarro Barros: “1st Sgt. José A. Negron took charge because there was an officer dead. The enemy returned the fire until almost 5:00 a.m. Through 1st Sgt. Negron's heroic command, efforts and encouragement, about twelve of us were, one by one, able to exit the Command Post under enemy fire and eventual destruction. I was right beside our 1st Sgt. and was one of the first to be saved.”

After finding each other through our newsletter, LTC Rick Bucknell (left) and Sgt. Negrón reunite earlier this year in Florida.

Jose A. Negron: “This situation continued until 05:00 when we successfully crawled through a ditch that took us to Battalion Headquarters. There, we found Lt. Lockerman being treated for apparent frostbite. In a tragic twist of fate, it also appears that the Award was conferred to Lt. Lockerman, the very Officer who at the time opted to leave us during the height of the afore-mentioned attack. I hence believe, after all of these years that I was subject of a grave injustice by denying me of a deserving Award while I proudly served while risking my Life for my comrades, our mission and for God and Country. I was extremely fortunate to have just met again with my Commanding Officer, LTC Rick Bucknell (Ret.), the Honorable Man that recommended me for the Silver Star Medal in the first place. I am now 82 years old, and after reviewing my life, with all of my energies feel that I will not give up the righteous endeavor of securing this Award, as a credit to myself and to my proud military family of three generations that are present to witness this momentous occasion, so help me God.”

Col. Willis "Bud" Cronkhite (Ret.) "F" Co. Commander 1952

Col. Willis “Bud” Cronkhite (Ret.) was a varsity wrestler at West Point, nicknamed “The Crusher.” He often bragged that he could either outsmart or outfight any man in the room. His motto was “live fast, die young, and be a good-looking corpse.” He got close to dying young several times. He survived a direct hit by a bolt of lightning on a rifle range in Ft. Benning, and the Chinese Army nearly got him twice. He commanded Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment in Korea. From September 9-14, 1952, Fox Company held Kelly Hill for six days. On September 18th, “B” Company was defending the position and nearly every man in the unit was killed or captured. In October, he led an attack on Jackson Heights dodging machine gun bullets on the way up. Towards the end of a confusing afternoon, he held the hill for several hours with only himself and four others. He was awarded the Silver Star for valor in that action. After a 30-year career in the Infantry, Bud retired, got a Masters in Social Work, and counseled Vietnam Veterans and people in drug rehabilitation as a second vocation.

He was a devoted father and husband. The sixth time they saw each other Bud and Joyce were married immediately after his graduation from West Point in June of 1946. Thanks in large part to Joyce’s patience, they were married for 56 years.

Bud and Noemi

Bud was the son of an infantry colonel. He lived in China, Japan, Panama, Germany, Korea, and many of the United States. He was comfortable in the company of governors and generals, but spent much of his time helping those who needed it. He would argue either side of any issue, just to keep the conversation lively. He learned and lived in the power of forgiveness.His personal hero was his battalion commander, LTC Carlos Betances, but he loved all the soldiers in F Company. He was interviewed for an upcoming documentary on his combat experience. The interviewer was a young woman with many connections to the 65th. At the end of the interview he teared up and said: “The Puerto Rican soldiers in F Company were the finest fighters I ever saw. They would follow me anywhere. Commanding them was the highlight of my life.” Both he and the interviewer burst into tears. She ran to him and they embraced until they both cried it out. On November 23, Bud died in his sleep at the age of 80. He was buried with full military honors with the crest of the 65th Infantry Regiment pinned to his lapel.

Written by his son,
Willis “Tripper” Cronkhite, Esq.

Dear Editor,

I just finished reading Issue #7 of April, 2002 where to my surprise, I found the picture of my father, 1st Lt. Ruben Laureano, “F” Co, KIA 1/29/51. I would like to share an anecdote about this picture. The picture was submitted by his friend, Maj. (Ret) Luis R. Rodriguez, who was within yards of him when he was killed.

Luis survived because the bullet that hit his chest got lodged in his CIB badge and didn't penetrate. It was just not his day to die.

I was born 2/10/51, twelve days after he died. Dad knew I was "on my way" and referred to me as "Junior" in his countless letters to Mom and conversations with Luis. I kept all those letters as the only means I had to at least imagine who was he. I have all sorts of memorabilia from dad: his helmet, pistol, medals, 48 star flag (coffin), dog tags, watch, wedding ring, original sympathy letters signed by Harry S. Truman, Gen. Douglas McArthur, Ernesto Ramos Antonini and Ines Mendoza de Muñoz Marin, to name a few. I was in Puerto Rico on April 2001 making arrangements to bring my mother Carmen over to live with me in Florida. She suffered a stroke and was left totally incapacitated. A week after we left, a letter came addressed to her from a Maj. Luis Rodriguez. In the letter, Luis identified himself as being essentially the last man that saw dad alive and survived to tell. All these years he tried unsuccessfully to contact her to share those moments. For Luis it was like unfinished business. When he finally made contact, it was too late. My mother was, not only physically, but mentally incapacitated to understand or recognize or most important, remember. Even though I did not know Luis, I took the initiative and responded to him. I cannot describe that first contact. It is still too emotional for me to describe. Today, Luis and I are best friends and stay in contact. Luis told me things about Dad that I would have never known otherwise. Chilling details of that early morning at 2AM, 40 degrees below zero. His last words "Luis, I'm hit". Luis could not finish saying "Don't talk, we are surrounded" when he also got hit. Thanks to Luis, I now feel that I actually traveled through time and met Dad. The sadness I felt knowing Dad died in agony, not from battle wounds, but from realizing he would not have a chance to see his only son, all that is gone now. The void in my life has vanished. Luis is now my "adopted" father. Thanks Luis, from both of us. May God hold you and your family in the palm of his hand.

Ruben Rafael Laureano Diaz (surviving son)
Carmen Hilda Diaz, Vda. Laureano (surviving spouse)
Ruben Rafael Laureano Arvelo (surviving grandson)

Lt. Col. (Retired) William Friedman was born in Manhattan and received his Army Reserve Commission in 1938 and later his Regular Army Commission in 1942. LTC Friedman’s twenty-two years of Active Duty span a broad range of assignments. During World War II, he was assigned to the Heavy Weapons Company and the Battalion Staff of the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division (a famous outfit known as “The Big Red One”). He later commanded the regiment’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company and went on to serve as the Regimental Personnel Officer (S-1) and then the Battalion Operations Officer. During the war, LTC Friedman participated in the assault landings in North Africa and Sicily in 1943 and at Normandy in 1944.

In 1949, he worked for Col. William Harris as his Assistant Operations Officer in the 17th Airborne Division, a training regiment. When Col. Harris was assigned to the 65th Inf. Regt., Harris requested Friedman to be his Operations Officer (S-3). LTC Friedman left his pregnant wife, Oronine, in Puerto Rico and sailed with the Hispanic regiment for Korea in August 1950 at the start of the Korean War. “The men of the 65th were tough, physically strong, and long-enduring,” he later recalled. “I don’t recall many other units with which I came into contact during World War II that were more so.” During the war, LTC Friedman went on to become the Battalion Executive Officer of the regiment’s 3rd Battalion. After covering the Evacuation of Hungnam and helping to save the 1st Marine Division, the last troops of the 65th boarded a ship to Pusan on Christmas Eve when LTC Friedman received a message that his son had been born. He left the 65th Infantry in February 1951 to serve as the Assistant Operations Officer and then the Operations Officer (G-3) of the 3rd Infantry Division. After the war, he served as the Chief of the Special Weapons Branch, Allied Land Forces Southern Europe, followed by two tours on the Army General Staff in the Pentagon in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. He then went on to complete two tours, including one as Chief, at the European Command in the NATO Division.His decorations and awards include, amongst others, the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Purple Heart.On August 19, 2002, LTC Friedman died after a difficult battle with cancer at the age of 85. A service with full military honors will take place on September 26, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at the Old Post Chapel in Ft. Myers, Virginia and the burial will follow at Arlington Cemetery. May he rest in peace. We will miss him dearly!

Written by
COL. GILBERTO VILLAHERMOSA
Chief, Combined Joint Task Force Coordination Branch
Regional Headquarters Allied Forces North,
Brunssum, The Netherlands

I sit here, 50 years after that terrible battle of Jackson Heights, and wonder at the courage, the bravery, and pain that was on that bloody hill. I move on. I can't remember my Father, but over the years, I believe I have felt him near me. He was not around to teach me how to fish, play baseball, or how to box down the bullies that tormented me in my youth. I carried his dogtags around my neck from the time I was fourteen until I was 35. The burden became too much to bear at that time. I just figured I would never know who he was. I had to cast it aside. The years droned on. I found the Korean War page one day and put a note out there regarding my Father. Things began to happen. I open up my email one night and there is a note from a gentleman who wants to know if I am the son of John D. Porterfield, Jr. who was with his brother-in-law in Korea. He says that something my Father wrote is on his brother's memorial. Suddenly, I can't hear anymore. I then remember letters written from brother to brother during that terrible conflict. I find them. The name that is spoken in the email, stares back at me in a letter 50 years old, yellow and tattered. I then get an email from the son of the CO of the other company stuck on that terrible rock on that terrible day. He gives me his Father's phone number. We leave several voice mails and then we connect. I am not ashamed to say that after speaking with this hero, I hang up and call my brother, Gary, who was six months old when our Father was killed, and was unseen by the man who gave him his name. I made it through about half a sentence and I can't talk anymore. My wife picks up the phone and makes excuses. I then get an email from Col. Clark, whom I speak with and correspond with to this day. I then talk with the soldier, who with my Father, went out under enemy fire to rescue their comrade, whom they found dying.

John Scott Porterfield in his father's arms.

They brought his body back and mourned him greatly. I have listened to the voice of this dead hero's sister, who misses him. He taught her to fish when they were smaller. She has not been whole without him, all these many years. But have any of us, who have lost friends and loved ones during that awful time? I think not. I fly to Little Rock and spend the day with Bud Cronkhite, who shared that bloody ground with those heroes on that day. I think of him often. I have spoken several times with the forward observer, who felt that awful shell whistle over him and strike the command post and make heroes, orphans, and empty men for the rest of our days. In the past week, I have spoken with the radioman who was several feet away when what was a man vanished before his eyes. I have become aware that all of you that survived that war, somehow feel guilt that you did. I would reply to you....that it was not your time. You were left behind to have families, teach your sons and daughters to play baseball, fish, and knock down bullies. I am glad that you had this gift of life to do those things. I am glad that you had this time to talk to me.

Best,
John Scott Porterfield

PFC Fernando Torrent, of Santurce ("I" Co., killed in action 3/23/51) Submited by his nephew, Maj. Fernando Torrent

Lt. Ruben Laureano, of Bayamon ("F" Co. killed in action 1/29/51) Submitted by his friend, Maj. Luis R. Rodriguez

Sgt. 1st Class Angel L. Ocasio, of Vega Baja ("F" Co., killed in action 4/23/51) Submitted by his daughter, Ada Melendez

Amongst the photographs published in the December 2000 issue of this newsletter, CSM José "Pépe" Figueroa Casos recognized a friend he hadn't seen since Korea...SFC Carlos Ruíz. This past summer the two were finally reunited. Ruiz was the 65th Inf. Regt. Photographer and Figueroa was the Operations Sgt. for HQ Co, 2nd Bn, 65th Inf. They served in Korea from Sept '50 - Fall '51.

CSM José "Pépe" Figueroa Casos

SFC Carlos Ruíz

When the two men reunited in Greensboro, NC this past June, they embraced and "smiled from ear to ear", according to Carlos. Their wives, Liza and Maggie, had been neighbors in Cayey while the two men were off at war - they were overwhelmed with joy. They had not seen each other in 50 years. Before shipping off to Korea in Aug. 1950, they all recalled the happy days and gatherings in Cayey. Both men sat down to look at old photographs from Carlos' collection and reminisce. They remembered Operation Portrex where the 65th Regt, commanded by Col. Harris, scored a victory over the 3rd Inf Division (ironically, the 65th Regt was attached to the 3rd just a few months later in Korea). Both men were there and agreed the experience was vital to the 65th's success in the ebb and flow of the Korean War in '50 and '51. One day aboard the USS Lynx in Panama, a soldier fell to his death when the men rushed to the dockside of the ship to listen to a band play. Pepe says this was the first 65th casualty. Carlos was surprised; he had always thought the first casualties were the 2 men killed when their jeep hit a landmine on the 1st day in Korea. During the 65th's move north in the Fall of '50, they recalled the landings at Wonsan, circling in the LSTs, and how there was no North Korean opposition until they went inland. The photos revealed the 65th's first action against Chinese forces, covering the Marine's withdrawal to the port of Hungnam - the snapshot of the last evacuated 65th troops on Christmas Eve '50 - the bitter cold and lack of winter clothing; the 16" guns of the Missouri blasting away far off in the last days. They recognized so many faces in the pictures and recalled how proud they were in those days, despite the hardships of war. Pépe retired from the Army as a Command Sgt. Major after a distinguished 30-year career. He also served in Germany. He now lives with his wife in Monterrey, CA. After the war, Carlos served as the NCO-in-charge of the Antilles Lab at Ft. Brooke, P.R., then the Pentagon for 10 yrs, returning to Korea for a tour in 1963. He retired from the Army after 20 years of service and now lives with his wife in Falls Church, VA. Both men are veterans of WWII.

Written by Paul Clark, proud grandson of SFC Carlos Ruíz.

LTC Carlos Betánces Ramírez LTC Carlos Betánces Ramírez was born in Barrio Las Delicias, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico on July 8, 1910. Carlos, who often described himself as a "jíbaro" (a poor hillbilly farmer), grew into a tall, slim and bright young man with red hair and freckles who spoke Spanish and English fluently. He fell in love with the Army and at 18 joined the National Guard. During WWII, he served as a Platoon Leader in Company I, 3rd Battalion, 295th Infantry Regiment mainly in the Panama Canal Zone. He reached the rank of Captain and was discharged in 1945 at the end of the war after serving a total of 8 years. In 1946, at the age of 36, he responded to an ad in the paper for an officer assignment in the Regular Army
and was selected as one of only 7 from 100 applicants. Moving up in rank rather quickly, he was a Lieutenant Colonel by the time he arrived in Korea in July 1952 and took command of the 2nd Battalion of 65th Inf. Regt. It is believed he was the first and only Puerto Rican officer to command a Battalion during the Korean War. Taking a command of a unit during combat is extremely difficult and demanding. It requires intelligent decision-making and the efficient leadership of approximately 850 men in a Battalion for whose lives you are responsible. Two of his company commanders who are West Point graduates, Col. (Ret.) Willis "Bud" Cronkhite and LTC (Ret.) George Jackson describe Betánces as tough, demanding but fair; the best Battalion Commander they had ever served under.
Betánces received a Purple Heart for wounds inflicted during the bloody battle of Outpost Kelly in September 1952. On October 28, there occurred the disastrous battle at Jackson Heights where more than 95 Puerto Rican soldiers refused to keep fighting. Intent on finding someone responsible, the 3rd Division Commander relieved LTC Betánces of command. Although Betánces knew he was innocent, he continued to serve faithfully for 20 years and never lost his love for the Army and his favorite regiment, the 65th Infantry "Borinqueneers". Later assignments included serving as the Operations & Training Officer and Military Advisor to General Min-Ki-Sik, who commanded the 21st Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Korea. Betánces was instrumental in organizing and training four Republic of Korea Infantry Divisions. After the war, he served in various command and staff positions; his last assignment being editor of the Latin American edition of "Military Review", a professional military magazine for Army Officers. On October 24, 2001 while in the hospital LTC Betánces received the Bronze Star he had earned 49 years before, thanks to the untiring, relentless efforts of Willis "Tripper" Cronkhite, Esq., son of Col. Cronkhite. On October 28th, Carlos Betánces Ramirez quietly passed away at 7 P.M. of liver and heart failure. Ironically, it was the 49th anniversary of the Battle of Jackson Heights.

Written by his friend, LTC Baltazar "Bart" Soto

Friendship is a gift that should be appreciated. Why? Because a good friend is hard to find. Many friendships were forged in wartime. Most were fleeting and lasted only as long their experience there. Very few stood the test of time. One special friendship which lasted more than 50 years was the friendship between Jose Antonio "Tony" de la Rosa Melendez (on right in above photo) and Jose Octavio "Tavo" Cordero (on left in above photo). Both were born in Arecibo and were drafted in October 1950 and shipped to Korea immediately. Initially, they were assigned to the 1st Bn. of the Anti-Air Artillery; Tavo in "M" Co. and Tony in the Special Combat Team in Construction. While there, they struck a friendship with Juan "Cachaco" Rosa from Bayamon and soon become inseparable. On May 17, 1951, the friends made a pact. They divided a dollar bill into 3 pieces and each took a piece. When the war was over, they would reunite and tape the pieces of the dollar bill together. Almost as soon as each went his way, there was a huge explosion and Tony went running to see his friends. When he arrived, he saw Juan Rosa covered with a sheet and Tavo also being covered by a sheet. Heartbroken, he left thinking both of his friends had died and only he had the remaining piece of the dollar. Tony was assigned to the 65th Inf. on July 4th and on September 18th the 65th was sent on a mission. During the battle, Tony entered a building where some of our soldiers were taking cover. From a distance, he instantly recognized his friend Tavo who had in fact survived the explosion and they hugged and greeted each other. Tavo had been wounded and later returned to duty, although he had lost his piece of the dollar bill. Throughout the war and for many years later - through marriages, children and even while living in different states - Tony and Tavo remained friends and would often write or see each other. On January 17, 2001, Tavo died after a long and painful battle with cancer. Tony who now lives in Bronx, New York attended Tavo's funeral in Connecticut; sad to see his friend go, but pleased to have enjoyed so many wonderful years of this special friend-ship. He still carries with him his piece of the dollar bill.

On September 23rd 1950, the 3rd Bn. of the 65th Infantry Regiment landed in Pusan, Korea. Walter Craig Davidson, 2nd Lt was assigned as an infantry unit commander to this 3rd Bn. He had been called to active duty, while serving as a military investigator, at Ft. Gulick, Panama Canal Zone, for immediate deployment to Korea. With the single exception of 2nd Lt. Charles H. Fleming, who was called to active duty at the same time and place, Lt. Davidson was not acquainted with any other person in the 65th Inf. Regiment, commanded by Col. William W. Harris.

On or about the 25th of September, Lt. Davidson was called to Hq. 65th Regt. and ordered to proceed to Seoul, Korea to retrieve a field desk or footlocker that had been left by some unit in the gymnasium of the University of Seoul. Lt Davidson was given a roll of maps, the jeep and driver then waiting in front of the Hq. tent and told that the University buildings were on the east side of the city. Lt. Davidson then proceeded to Seoul, some 200 miles away, via the road from Taegu to Taejon, across the Kum River then the Han River, after threading his way through several thousand refugees and a number of small fire-fights with North Korean units now cut off from the north by MacArthur's successful Inchon landing, on the coast some 25 miles west of Seoul.

Lt. Davidson continued on until he found the University campus, on which was an enormous building which could be entered by driving through a large double door in the side of the building. Upon entering this building with the jeep, a slow turn with the lights on, revealed an oversize footlocker or field desk against the wall in a corner. Lt Davidson and his driver, without opening the container, loaded it in the back of the jeep and tied it down. Lt Davidson observed that the miracle was that the "footlocker" was exactly where he had been told it would be. It was now getting dark so they started the return trip through Seoul. In a few days, the "container", was delivered to the Hq. tent where they were told; "You will get a medal for this." Of course, neither one ever heard anything more about the medal or the container.

Who left the "container" in Seoul???

Lt. Davidson was medically evacuated in the middle of November, 1950, due to having been too close to an enemy mortar shell explosion. Any enlightenment by others who were there, will be appreciated.

Written by: Walter Craig Davidson
1309 East Brown St.
Llano, Texas 78643-2405
(915) 247-3617

Juan Soto had been looking for Nestor Diaz for many years now. He had called many people and written many letters, but he did not know Nestor's whereabouts or if he was still living at all. Almost 50 years ago when both men were with "G" Company, Nestor became seriously wounded in enemy territory and Juan had carried him for 12 miles to safety. That was on a wintry day on December 23, 1951. And yet, like many other soldiers who performed heroic acts back then, Juan had never been given the proper recognition for it. Another hero who fell through the cracks. When Juan, a resident of Queens, New York, asked me to help him find Nestor, I thought it would be impossible. But then I remembered the casualty lists that can now be found on various websites on the internet, such as at The Korean War Project, at borinqueneers.com (which has information on the 65th Infantry) and others. Not expecting any results, I looked up Nestor's name on the WIA list and found his serial number which I then gave to Juan. Juan wrote Nestor a letter and sent the unsealed letter to the Veterans Administration with Nestor's serial number asking them to forward the letter. Within days, Juan received a phone call from Nestor in Puerto Rico. Both men were thrilled to find each other. Nestor was grateful for the gift of life that Juan had given him and had always spoken fondly of Juan to his family. Nestor and his family plan to help Juan receive the medal which he deserved but never got. They also plan to stay in touch and possibly meet in the near future. During this festive time, we are pleased to tell you about this happy reunion story. Many others will remember the cold winters of Korea and feel grateful to have been able to return home to their loved ones.