Veterans Day Presentation: A Night of Heroes & Heritage

On Veterans Day last month, the 65th Infantry Honor Task Force presented war veterans and supporters with the Order of St. Maurice Medal and the St. Joan of Arc Medallion. Included were various members of the 65th Infantry Regiment of Puerto Rico – The Borinqueneers – Congressional Gold Medal 2016.

ST. JOAN OF ARC MEDAL is a vintage mint medallion. Each one is unique in style. It is presented as the symbolic embodiment of the lady warrior who led the entire French Army through the power of consuming inspiration and pure divine faith against unbeatable resistance. A noble token stemming back from ancient Spartan women warrior tradition into medieval times from the Knights to the ladies of the realm who offered generosity through philanthropy, inspired an indomitable will to accomplish the mission, and gentle encouragement over every obstacle and challenge. A symbol of undying loyalty and unwavering faith that even commands angelic forces against all enemies in times of righteous battle.

Awardees of the ST. JOAN OF ARC MEDAL included:
Ms. Terri Lopez-Beauchamp, Retired Business Owner – Author
Ms. Wyvonna Howze, President, VH Consulting Services, retired Vice-President of Human Resources, Prudential Financial Services
Ms. Maribel Gonzalez, Owner, South of France Restaurant and Catering
Ms. Alexandra Duenas, President, Clarkstown Sunrise Rotary Club
Ms. MariEllen Dystra Thurston Donnellan, Business Owner, Florist
Hannah Y. Kim, International Veterans Advocate, former Chief of Staff, U.S. Congress

The Order of St. Maurice Medal, issued by the National Infantry Association
These awardees have served the Infantry Community with distinction; demonstrated a significant contributions in support of the infantry; and represented the highest standards in character, professional competence, and dedication to duty; The same medallion is used for each level, with an attachment that identifies the level.

The 65th Infantry Regiment of Puerto Rico [Borinqueneers] Awardees:

SGT. Tomas Lopez – Order of St. Maurice
SGT. Israel Montalvo – Order of St. Maurice
SGT. Isaac Rivera – Order of St. Maurice
SFC. Modesto Cartagena – Order of St. Maurice
Mr. Rafael Cordero – Order of St. Maurice
SGT. Isidoro Lebron – Congressional Gold Medal WWI [post-humously]
PVT. Rogelio Carasquillo – Congressional Gold Medal – Korea Ambassador for Peace Medal [post-humously]
PVT. Jose E. Caraballo – Congressional Gold Medal – Korea Ambassador Peace Medal [post-humously]
Israel Montalvo, Tomas Lopez, Rafael Cordero, Isaac Rivera: Recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal
65th Infantry Regiment of Puerto Rico – The Borinqueneers – Congressional Gold Medal 2016

February 1951– Elements of the 149th Chinese Division encountered 2 battalions of the 65th Infantry Regiment. A 3 day battle ensued. It went down to hand-to- hand combat, culminating in the last battalion sized bayonet charge in American military history.

In 2016– after many years of lobbying and testifying to the U.S. Congress, the Borinqueneers were awarded the highest recognition the people can bestow, raising them to the level of a national treasure.

Mr. Anthony Stone President Shadow Firearms and Tactical Training Academy [NYPD]
Mr. Jean Claude Jseph Vice President Shadow Firearms and Tactical Training Academy
Mr. Jose R. Guerra Shadow Firearms and Tactical Training Academy [NYPD –ESU]
Mr. Ramon Rodriguez Shadow Firearms and Tactical Training Academy [USCG]
Mr. Alan Moskin, WWII Veteran
Mr. Adam Krainak, WWII Veteran
SGT Angel Rivera, USMC, Iraq/Afghanistan [NYPD]
Captain Chris Day, US Army, Afghanistan [Retired]
Mr. Peter F. Medina, former Commander, American Legion Post 199 – Vietnam era Veteran
SSG Omar Lebron, US Army, Iraq Veteran
SFC Jimmy Rivera, US Army [retired] Board of Directors, 65th Honor Task Force
Dr. Pedro J. Rossello, former Governor of Puerto Rico
SGT Anthony Melé, US Army – Chairman, 65th Infantry Honor Task Force

La Marcha 65th sung by Mr. Rafael Cordero with The 3rd U.S. Infantry [Old Guard] at Fort Myer, Virginia and 65th Honor Task ForceMedal of Honor for MSG Juan E. Negron on display.