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Did you know Puerto Ricans have played a significant role in the U.S. armed forces since Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory in 1898? It began with the Battalion of Porto Rican Volunteers in 1899, and at least 18,000 Puerto Ricans served in World War I, with even more in World War II. However, many were relegated to auxiliary roles and faced discrimination.
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| "Puerto Rican Marine Fernando Luis Garcia Ledesma exemplified for his bravery and sacrifice." |
This changed when President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981 in 1948, mandating equal treatment in the military. During the Korean War, Puerto Rican Marine Fernando Luis Garcia Ledesma exemplified the bravery of Puerto Rican service members. Born in Utuado, Puerto Rico, in 1929, Garcia joined the Marine Corps in 1951 and was assigned to the 5th Regiment, 1st Marine Division in Korea.
By 1952, intense battles raged over hilltop positions like Bunker Hill, north of Seoul. On Sept. 5, Garcia was defending Outpost Bruce when enemy forces attacked. Despite painful wounds, he continued to supply grenades. When an enemy grenade landed nearby, he selflessly threw his body over it, sacrificing his life to save his comrades. For his bravery, Garcia was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the first for a Puerto Rican service member and the only one awarded to a Puerto Rican Marine.
His heroism paved the way for recognizing other Puerto Rican soldiers who had been overlooked. Nine Puerto Rican service members from World War II have since been awarded the Medal of Honor. Though Garcia’s body was never found, he is honored with an "In Memory" marker in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and his legacy lives on through a military camp and a naval frigate named in his honor.
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DJC Rock Home Care has been a beacon of support and love for over 15 years, offering non-medical home care that improves the quality of life for our clients. Our mission is to deliver first-class care with dignity, compassion, and the highest ethical standards, helping our clients maintain independence and comfort in their own homes.Dependable, Compassionate Senior In-Home Care Services
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Works Cited:
"A Marine’s Legacy as 1st Puerto Rican Medal of Honor Recipient." Military Times, 27 Dec. 2024, militarytimes.com."
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