MG/YA NONFICTION REVIEW: Men of the 65th by Talia Aikens-Nunez
ABOUT THE BOOK
But the honor and fidelity of the men of the 65th came into question in 1952, in the midst of the Korean War, when ninety-one Borinqueneers were arrested and tried for desertion and disobeying orders. How could this happen in one of the most distinguished and decorated units of the Army?
In this telling of one of the forgotten stories of the Korean War, author Talia Aikens-Nuñez guides us through the history of the Borinqueneers and the challenges they faced leading up to what was the largest court martial in the entire war. Rediscover the bravery of the men of the 65th through Aikens-Nuñez’s thorough writing and the soldiers’ firsthand accounts of the Korean War.
REVIEW
Men of the 65th tells the story of the 65th Infantry Regiment from the time they were created during World War II until the end of their service in the Korean War. Formed in Puerto Rico, the unit proved their courage and skill from the beginning. Despite the racist treatment they often received, they fought for the United States bravely in both World War II and the Korean War. But toward the end of the Korean War a series of events led to the court martial of 91 members of the unit. Aikens-Nunez tells of the experiences that led to the 65th receiving numerous awards and the circumstances that resulted in the court martial of so many members of the unit. In addition, the reasons the soldiers all received pardons and the unit as a whole was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2016.
The author blends individual experiences and quotes with the general history of the unit. The book makes for a compelling read about a unit and a war that doesn't receive the same amount of attention that World War II does. The inclusion of photographs and sidebars helps create an understanding of the conditions that the soldiers lived and fought in. Solid back matter shows the incredible amount of work the author did to tell this important story. I appreciate that these stories are being told after having been neglected and overlooked for so long. The sacrifices made and endured by these Puerto Rican soldiers deserve to be remembered and shared. A compelling and important book that highlights the important service of the 65th Infantry Regiment.
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