KBS 1TV Special Documentary

To the 63 Allied Nations
and the Unsung Heroes of the Caribbean

In August 1950, 61,000 brave volunteers of the 65th Infantry Regiment (Borinqueneers) arrived from Puerto Rico to defend freedom alongside 63 allied nations. We are establishing a permanent monument to engrave their names and ensure their sacrifice lives forever.

The Memorial ›

KBS Special Documentary: Unknown Heroes of the Caribbean Presenter: Cha In-pyo (Actor & Author) · KBS Special Team · Puerto Rico 65th Inf. Reg. (Borinqueneers)

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“They did not know where Korea was located on a globe. Yet over 61,000 young Puerto Ricans crossed thousands of miles of ocean to fight for a country they had never seen.”

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“Este es mi paralelo 38 (This is my 38th Parallel)”

— Statement from 100-year-old Puerto Rican veterans pointing to their front yards in San Juan

In August 1950, as the Korean War erupted into a critical crisis, the US Army 65th Infantry Regiment (Borinqueneers) deployed to the frontline. Following the Incheon Landing, they endured the minus 30-degree arctic cold of the Chosin Reservoir and held the rear defensive perimeter during the historic Hungnam Evacuation, safely guiding 100,000 refugees to freedom.

Tragically, 743 were killed in action and thousands wounded. Yet, because Puerto Rico was a commonwealth territory, their flag was not officially included among sovereign UN nations. Returning home, they proudly named streets "Avenida Seúl" and "Calle Corea". In 2014, they were awarded the US Congressional Gold Medal. We now honor their valor with a permanent monument in Korea.

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Official Archival Records

US National Archives & KBS War History

Unit US Army 65th Inf. Reg. (Borinqueneers)

Troops 61,000+ volunteers

Fallen 743 heroes

Key Operations Incheon, Chosin, Hungnam Evacuation

Distinction Congressional Gold Medal (2014)

The Memorial Project

Why We Must Build The Memorial Now

Carrying forward the dedication of California’s Orange County Memorial (ockoreanwar.org), we are establishing Korea’s first integrated sanctuary for all 63 nations.

Historic First

First Comprehensive Monument for 63 Nations

A complete memorial honoring all 16 combat nations, 5 medical support nations, 32 material aid nations, 7 reconstruction nations, and the Puerto Rican Borinqueneers without omission.

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Historical Urgency

Average Veteran Age Exceeds 94

With surviving Korean War veterans now in their nineties, we must dedicate this monument while they are still here to know that Korea has never forgotten their devotion.

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Global Benchmark

Carrying Forward the Spirit of the OC Memorial

Inspired by the Orange County Korean War Memorial (ockoreanwar.org) in California, we are creating a world-class sanctuary of peace and international alliance in Korea.

5 Peace Pillars Design ›

Allied Nations Honor Roll

The Global Alliance of 63 Nations Defending Freedom

Official historical records of the nations from across the globe that stood together to preserve democracy in the Republic of Korea.

Combat 16

16 Combat Nations

USA, UK, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Philippines, Thailand, Netherlands, Colombia, Greece, New Zealand, Ethiopia, Belgium, France, South Africa, Luxembourg.

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Medical 5