Borinqueneers. Subject Matter: fidelity, heritage, segregated, adaptability, resiliency, courage

Transcription

1 Borinqueneers Standards: 1. History. The student understands the impact of significant national and international decisions and conflicts during World War II and Korea on the United States. 2. Geography. The student understands the impact of geographic factors on major events. 3. Social studies skills. The student applies critical-thinking skills to organize and use information acquired from a variety of valid sources, including electronic technology. Objectives: 1. The students will be able to develop an appreciation of the sacrifices service members endure for love of country and the character it takes to be a good citizen and successful soldier. 2. The students will be able to gain greater appreciation and understanding of the contributions/roles Hispanic Americans have made in defense of the USA. 3. The students will be able to articulate the contributions of the Borinqueneers during World War II and Korea. Subject Matter: fidelity, heritage, segregated, adaptability, resiliency, courage Materials: Handout: Borinqueneer Timeline Activity Handout: Preparing for the Unexpected Media: The Borinqueneers ( Handout: US Army Borinqueneers Take Over Security at Camp Lemonnier Procedure: Set: Place General MacArthur s quote on the board: The Puerto Ricans forming the ranks of the gallant 65th Infantry give daily proof on the battlefields of Korea of their courage, determination and resolute will to victory. They are writing a brilliant record of heroism in battle and I am indeed proud to have them under my command. I wish that we could count on many more like them. and discuss. Essential Question: Who were the Borinqueneers and what contribution did they make to the American military presence in World War II and the Korean conflict? Media: 1. Students will view the film on the Borinqueneers. 2. Students will be asked to take notes on this film that will later be used for classroom activities and discussion.

2 Discussion: 1. Who are the Borinqueneers? 2. What action(s) did the Borinqueneers perform during World War II and Korea? List or discuss. 3. What does it mean to be a segregated military unit? 4. Why are the makers of this film asking you to contact your Senators and representatives? Activity: 1. Handout Borinqueneer Timeline and review the unit s major accomplishments. 2. Handout the Preparing for the Unexpected Leadership activity to your students. Have the students analyze the accomplishments of the Borinqueneers using the four criteria provided. Also have the students analyze their own personalities and identify personal heroic characteristics. 3. Discuss as a large group. Enrichment: Handout the short article on the US Army Borinqueneers Stationed in Africa and discuss that this unit is still at work defending American interests abroad. Close: Ask students to explain why the Borinqueneers are important during World War II and the Korean conflict? Assessment: 1. The teacher will informally observe the students taking notes from the movie. 2. The teacher will formally assess students as to the level of completeness of the Activity handout has been completed. 3. The teacher will informally assess students discussing the film clip as a large group.

3 Borinqueneers: Puerto Rico's 65th Infantry Regiment U.S. Army Founding The 65th Infantry Regiment, comprised primarily of Puerto Ricans, began as a volunteer regiment in 1899 and participated in WWI and WWII The first Regiment of Infantry, United States Army was created July 1, 1898,by an act of Congress, approved May 27, 1908 The Regiment, on May 3, 1917, embarked for Panama where it served in the defense of the Canal Zone during World War I. In 1920 a reorganization Act of June 4, 1920, the regiment was designated as "65th Infantry, US Army". World War II In 1940, with the outcome of hostilities in Europe, the Regiment, as well as all units of the Army, was reorganized and brought to war strength. The unit began to prepare when the second world war broke out in Europe during the year 1942, together with the 295th and 296th Infantry Regiment, it was deployed in defense of the Island of Puerto Rico the next year it was deployed to Panama to defend the Canal. On 7 March 1944, the regiment was deployed to North Africa. From there they were moved to Italy. They were later deployed to France in September Maritime Alps at Poita Cava o From 13 December 1944 to February 26th 1945 the 3rd Bn. 65th Infantry was committed to action on the Maritime Alps at Peira Cava. o It was relieved from the Maritime Alps on 26 February 1945 this was the first unit of the 65th Infantry to be committed to action, here the regiment suffered numerous casualties. Awarded Battle Participation o In Europe the Regiment was credited with action In the in the Naples-Fogis, Rome- Arno, Central Europe and the Rineland Campaigns.

4 Korea Borinqueneers In August 1950, the 65th was assigned to the 3rd Division and ordered to Korea and arrived in Pusan on the 23rd September 1950 "Borinqueneers" o The Regiment called themselves "Borinqueneers". o The 65th were the first infantrymen of the "Rock of the Marne Division" to meet the enemy on the battle fields of Korea. Frozen Chosin o The 65th Infantry Regiment was a part of the Task force which enabled the Marines to successfully withdraw from positions held at the Chosin Reservior Further Action o The "Borinqueneers" was the Regiment which took and held Cherwon in July There, they were instrumental in the breaking of the Iron Triangle of Hill 717. o The Regiment was also playing a leading roll during Operation Commander on Hill 487 in September During October 1951, the 3rd Battalion was Instrumental in helping to establish a new position further north, called the James town line which included the patrol base Hill 284. November, saw the Regiment successfully fight off an estimated two regiment sized attack inflicting about 250 enemy casualties while suffering only 15 of its own. However they were ordered to cease all aggressive action in anticipation of "cease fire". The 65th Infantry in Korea, is credited with participation in nine campaigns: 1. UN Defensive UN offensive CCF Intervention First UN Counterattack Offensive UN and CCF Spring Offensive UN Summer-Fall Offensive nd Korean Winter Korean Summer- Fall rd Korean Winter Bayonet Charge: the 65th is credited with conducting the last known regimental size bayonet charge in United States Army history against a Chinese division in February Unit Recognition in Korea o During the Korean War, the 65th earned two U.S. Presidential Unit Citations, two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations, two U.S. Meritorious Unit Commendations and the Greek Gold Medal of Bravery. o Four of its soldiers were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest award for valor.

5 Name: Date: Preparing for the Unexpected The following four attributes describe personality characteristics that help individuals when faced with unexpected challenges. Keep in mind that you-like most people-may show some, but not all, of these attributes/strengths when faced with difficult situations. Complete the chart describing how both you and the Borinqueneers demonstrate these characteristics. Name of a Hero: Borinqueneers You Courage Adaptability Skills Resiliency

6 U.S. Army Borinqueneers Take Over Security at Camp Lemonnier Petty Officer 1st Class Larry Foos, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti, Nov 09, 2009 While on convoy patrol one day in late October, U.S. Army Sergeant Hipolito Nieves noticed a wet spot on the ground at a checkpoint outside Camp Lemonnier. He searched the area and confirmed with his convoy commander that someone had been there and likely fled upon their approach. This defensive posture is one of many patrols conducted around the perimeter to protect the camp. This event is a snapshot of life for the U.S. Army's 1-65th Infantry Battalion, Charlie Company, a National Guard unit from Puerto Rico, also known as the Borinqueneers. As the security force for Combined Joint Tasked Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and Camp Lemonnier, Charlie Company carries weapons to protect the camp. It also operates the entry control checkpoints, protects U.S. and allied ships at the massive Djibouti Port, and guards the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti. "Charlie Company is very proud of their unit and the job they do," said Captain Jay A. Escobales, company commander. "They understand the history and have a real commitment for this deployment. Their performance is superb on every mission." With commendations that include recognition for meritorious and decorated service in both World Wars and the Korean War, and the distinction of carrying out the last recorded U.S. Army battalion-sized bayonet charge (February 2, 1951), the 65th Infantry is again taking part in overseas operations, and is the first full-staff Puerto Rican unit assigned to the Horn of Africa. "My soldiers have the expertise for this type of mission," said Escobales. "Our primary mission is to provide camp safety and security, so the commanders can perform their intent without incident. According to Nieves, the unit's convoy team is accompanied by an interpreter and Djiboutian Army personnel to ensure bilateral, host-nation support, and to eliminate unnecessary force. "These soldiers are our sensors out there," said Escobales. "Their mission is to prevent and detect any enemy activity around the base and, at the same time, show the locals that we are here to protect.