Extension of Remarks: Honoring Latino Service Men and Women During National Hispanic Heritage Month
Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34)
October 15, 2003

Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month and to recognize the longstanding contributions that the Latino community has made and continues to make through their participation in the armed forces.

New census data reports that the Hispanic community, which numbers almost 40 million, is now the largest minority group in the United States. As such, Latinos influence everyday life in the United States through their participation in every sector of our society including business, the arts, sports, government, medicine and education. Of particular significance during these trying times, is the rich history of patriotism and sacrifice that the Latino community has made by serving proudly and with distinction in every major U.S. military conflict and in all branches of our armed services.

From the minutemen of the American Revolution to today's enlisted men and women in Iraq, the Latino community has a deep-rooted tradition of service in the U.S. military. Today there are 109,487 Latinos on active duty, representing approximately 9.5% of all active duty personnel. Latinos represent 9.7% of the Army, 10.5% of the Navy, 13.9% of the Marine Corps, and 3.4% of the Air Force.

Latinos have been recognized for their valor and bravery in some of this country's most important military confrontations. One of the greatest sources of pride among the Latino community is the 39 Medals of Honor awarded to Latinos in recognition of their valor. They are the largest single ethnic group, in proportion to the number who served, to earn this prestigious award.

During the American Revolution, soldiers from Spain, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic fought alongside the colonists for independence. Cuban women donated their jewelry to aid the colonists, helping to finance the Yorktown Campaign.

In World War One, Latino soldiers were decorated with the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the French Croix de Guerre, the Victory Medal with three bars, and the Purple Heart. During the Second World War, up to 500,000 Latinos served bravely -- eleven receiving the Medal of Honor. Of particular mention is the story of Marine PFC Guy "Gabby" Gabaldon who single-handedly captured over 1,000 enemy soldiers in the summer of 1944, more than anyone else has in the history of military conflicts.

During the Korean War, the 65th Infantry Regiment -- a Puerto Rican regiment --was given special recognition for participating in nine major campaigns, capturing 2,086 enemy soldiers, and killing 5,095 enemy combatants. Individual members of this regiment were awarded four Distinguished Service Crosses and 124 Silver Stars. My family and I had personal acquaintance with a Korean War hero from my neighborhood in Boyle Heights when I was growing up in Los Angeles. Private First Class Eugene Obregon was awarded the Medal of Honor for sacrificing his life to save that of a wounded comrade.

Fourteen Hispanics were awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery during the Vietnam War. Navy Lt. Everett Alvarez became the first American prisoner of war (POW), and remained so for over eight years, the longest confirmed POW in American history. The last American to leave Vietnam was Senior Master Sergeant Juan J. Valdez, who served at the U.S. Embassy in Saigon and departed by helicopter on April 30, 1975.

When Iran held 52 American hostages in 1980, the Ayatollah offered to release all minorities. Marine Corporals Lopez and Gallegos refused, instead stating, "I am an American -- I am a U.S. Marine, I will be the last one to leave," invoking the spirit of American patriotism above all else.

Today, as we wage the war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Latino community continues to prove its commitment to America by serving proudly and with honor. They remind all of us, that there is no better way to demonstrate devotion to your country than the willingness to make sacrifices for it. Through their service in the armed forces thousands of brave individuals in the Latino community have proven their love and dedication to our American values of liberty and freedom for all.

As we recognize the Latino community during National Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to thank the service men and women, both past and present, for their commitment and sacrifices to our country. They truly embody the spirit of pride and community that Hispanic Heritage Month is designed to celebrate.

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Congresswoman Roybal-Allard
Washington, D.C., Office: 2330 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. Phone: (202) 225-1766. Fax: (202) 226-0350.
District Office: 255 E. Temple St., Ste. 1860, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3334. Phone: (213) 628-9230. Fax: (213) 628-8578.