FORT BUCHANAN, PR -- USAG Fort Buchanan celebrated the first National Borinqueneers Day April 13, 2021, with the memorialization of it’s Visitor Control Center in honor of Sgt. 1st Class Modesto Cartagena De Jesús, member of the 65th Infantry Regiment, The Borinqueneers.
Garrison Commander, Col. Joseph B. Corcoran III; Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. José A. Banks and President of the 65th Inf. Reg. Retired Association, Víctor Labarca, comprised the official party for the event attended by the Governor of Puerto Rico, Hon. Pedro R. Pierluisi Urrutia and his sister Caridad; PR Resident Commissioner in Washington, Hon. Jenniffer A. González, represented by Norma Miranda-Gallardo; PR Senator Gretchen Hau, PR Representative, Hon. José Aponte Hernández represented by Maria Isabel Van Rhyn; the Mayor of Cayey, Hon. Rolando Ortíz Velázquez; the PR Veteran’s Advocate, Agustín Montañez Allman,Esq; members of Sgt. 1st Class Cartagena’s family, daughters Wilma and Sara Cartagena Pérez, son-in-law Víctor M. Nicolao Cotto and son Víctor Dummund Colón, garrison directors, staff, and military personnel.
The memorialization ceremony recognized the figure of one of the members of the glorious 65th Infantry Regiment who during the Korean War earned the nickname “One Man Army.” On April 19, 1951, Sgt. 1st Class Cartagena charged into enemy fire on Hill 206 “with no regard for his own safety,” and destroying them. His extraordinary heroism earned with the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, the Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly Medal of Honor and posthumously, the Congressional Gold Medal.
Among the accolades presented to the family members and garrison commander during the event, were copies of the Congressional Record of the Proceedings and Debates of the 117th Congress, First Session submitted by Hon. Jenniffer A. González-Colón commemorating National Borinqueneers Day; and the House of Representatives motion and medals presented on behalf of Hon. José Aponte Hernández.
Gov. Pierluisi quoted General MacArthur, “The Puerto Ricans forming the ranks of the gallant 65th Infantry on the battlefields of Korea…are writing a brilliant record of achievement in the battle and I am proud indeed to have them in this command. I wish that we might have many more like them.” He exalted the courage and resiliency of The Borinqueneers represented by Sgt. 1st Class Cartagena.
The Mayor of Cayey and Cartagena’s friend, presented a wreath and highlighted his qualities as a citizen committed in improving the quality of life of his community. Víctor Labarca recalled their time in service and shared some anecdotes of him and Cartagena during their deployment to Korea.
USAG Fort Buchanan commander emphasized that over 61,000 Puerto Ricans served during the Korean War. Sgt. 1st Class Cartagena, a ‘jibarito’ from El Polvorín in Cayey, was one of those Soldiers.
“His achievements and fortitude would not have been possible without the love and commitment of his family and friends, and you all share in his tremendous legacy and certainly in this celebration today,” said Col. Corcoran and added, “Like the other members of the 65th Infantry Regiment, Sgt. 1st Class Cartagena encountered cold and harsh winters, a language barrier, and the threat of an uncommon enemy. His remarkable accomplishments earned him the distinction of being one of the most decorated Puerto Rican Soldiers…His fighting spirit will continue to serve as a reminder to all who enter this facility.”
Sgt. 1st Class Modesto Cartagena De Jesús distinguished himself through honorable service to our nation and the values of freedom and democracy that our Constitution represents. The spirit and intent of the Visitor Control Center Memorialization Ceremony is to pay tribute and provide lasting honor to a distinguished Soldier and citizen of Puerto Rico with a legacy of outstanding service.
After the event, members of The Borinqueneers joined Col. Corcoran and Command Sgt. Maj. Banks for the live transmission of the first National Borinqueneer’s Day from Congress hosted by PR Resident Commissioner in Washington, Hon. Jenniffer A. González attended by Deputy Garrison Commander, Lt. Col. Brian M. Mandock, and Deputy to the Garrison Commander, Derrick W. Hood, representing USAG Fort Buchanan.
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