They died with their boots on

No, this is not about the 7th cavalry or Errol Flynn playing the part of General George Armstrong Custer at the battle of the little big horn against Chief Sitting Bull and Chief Crazy Horse. This is about four of the gallant men of the 65th Infantry Regiment from Puerto Rico. This is also about the men that paid the ultimate price that any government can ask from its citizens in time of war. It’s the price that many of our relatives and friends paid when they died with their boots on while serving with el Regimiento del 65 de Infantería in Korea. In the end, returning home as heroes but in a coffin.

Corporal Felipe Rodriguez:

On September 29, 1950 Cpl Rodriguez became the first soldier of the 65th Infantry Regiment to be classified as killed In Action (KIA) as a result of an enemy mine explosion that set his jeep on fire while on a reconnaissance patrol in the vicinity of Chang-yong, Korea.

On October 2, 1951 his remains were delivered to his widow Edna May Benitez and subsequently buried in the municipal cemetery in the town of Coamo where he was born on May 2, 1920,

Corporal Rodriguez was awarded the Purple Heart, The Combat Infantryman’s Badge,
Korean Service Medal, The United Nation’s Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation Service Medal.

First Lieutenant Jose Torres Caban:

Assigned to Headquarters Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, a native or a resident of Isabella, Puerto Rico first entered the Army in December of 1937, was reported as wounded in action in the vicinity of Chang-yong, Korea on September 29, 1950 and listed as Died of injuries (DOI) at 6:30 AM on October 1st 1950. He was also riding in the same jeep as Corporal Felipe Rodriguez when it detonated a tank mine.

His widow, Mrs. Estrella Torres, Caban as next of kin requested that the remains be delivered upon arrival at Fort Buchanan, to the Masonic lodge in Bayamon, Puerto Rico for subsequent burial in the National Cemetery. His remains were delivered to her on October 4, 1951.

1st Lt. Torres was awarded the Purple Heart, The Combat Infantryman’s Badge,
Korean Service Medal, The United Nation’s Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation Service Medal and the Republic of Korea Service Medal.

Corporal Armando Sanchez, Herrera:

Died as a result of a wound received in action on September 30, 1950. His remains were shipped to Puerto Rico and delivered to his widow Mrs. Carmen Miranda, Barriada Bou in the town of Corozal, Puerto Rico for interment in the municipal cemetery.

Corporal Sanchez was awarded the Purple Heart, The Combat Infantryman’s Badge,
Korean Service Medal, The United Nation’s Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Korea Service Medal.

Corporal Angel L Negron:

Was killed in action on October 17, 1950. His remains were shipped to Puerto Rico and delivered to his widow Mrs. Juanita S de Negron, Barrio La Plata, Aibonito, Puerto Rico for interment in the municipal cemetery

Corporal Negron was awarded the Purple Heart, The Combat Infantryman’s Badge,
Korean Service Medal, The United Nation’s Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation Service Medal and the Republic of Korea Service Medal.

Thank you

Ariel Blondet