At the beginning of the 0.25 mile Esplanade leading to the El Morro Fortress there is a small monument honoring the service of the 65th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War.
The 65th Infantry Regiment, consisting of 3,920 officers and men, was organized on August 27, 1950. They arrived in in Pusan, Korea on September 23, 1950. On the sea journey to Korea they acquired the nickname "Borinqueneers", a combination "Borinquen", the Taínos name for Puerto Rico, and the Spanish word "Buccaneers".
The 65th saw extensive action in Korea against the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The 65th was part of a task force which enabled the U.S. Marines to withdraw from the Chosin Reservoir on December 1950. When the Marines were encircled by the Chinese Communist troops close to the Manchurian border, they were ordered to retreat to Hungnam. The 65th performed a rear guard action enabling the marines to reach their ships. The 65th Infantry, attached to the 1st Marine Division, was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for their defense. The 65th also participated was Operation Killer in January 1951, becoming the first regiment to cross the Han River in South Korea during the operation.
On April 1951, the 65th participated in the Uijonbu Corridor drives and on June 1951 they crossed the Han Ton River. They took and held Chorwon and in July 1951 helped in breaking the Iron Triangle of Hill 717 on July 1951. In the summer of 1952, the regiment defended the main line of resistance (MLR) and saw action at Cognac, King, and Queen with successful attacks on Chinese positions. In September 1952, the 65th Infantry held their position known as "Outpost Kelly" until they were forced to retreat.
The 65th Infantry was awarded battle participation credits for nine campaigns: UN Defense-1950, UN Offense-1950, CCF Intervention-1950, First UN Counterattack Offensive-1951, UN and CCF Spring Offensive-1951, UN Summer-Fall Offensive-1951, 2nd Korean Winter 1951–52, Korean Summer-Fall-1952 and 3rd Korean Winter-1952-53.
A bilingual plaque attached to a granite base is contains the emblem of the Department of the Army and the Coat of Arms of the 65th Infantry Regiment. It is inscribed:
Dedicated to the men of the 65th Infantry Regiment
United States Army for their Valor and Patriotism
During the Korean War 1950 - 1953
"The Borinqueneers"
Dedicado los Soldados de El Regimento 65 de Infantria
Ejército de Estado Unidos
por su Valentía y Patriotismo
durante la Guerre de Corea 1950 - 1953
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