BALTIMORE (AP) — A 96-year-old Korean War veteran is being recognized as Maryland’s last living member of a segregated, Spanish-speaking U.S. Army unit nicknamed the Borinqueneers (bor-INK’-wen-eers).
Sen. Barbara Mikulski is among those paying tribute Monday in Baltimore to Leonardo Martinez of Odenton.
The Maryland Democrat co-sponsored a resolution awarding the unit a Congressional Gold Medal. The measure passed both houses of Congress and is awaiting President Barack Obama’s signature.
Martinez received the Purple Heart for his service with the 65th Infantry Regiment. The unit was composed mainly of Puerto Rican soldiers from World War I through the Korean War.
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