Puerto Rican Military Service: Fighting for a Nation That Denies Them Equality

Puerto Ricans have fought and died in every American war since 1917 — yet they cannot vote for the President who orders them into battle.

The Record:
- World War I (1917-1918): Approximately 18,000 Puerto Ricans served. Citizenship was granted just in time for the draft (Jones Act, March 1917; U.S. entered WWI, April 1917 — a timing that independence advocates consider non-coincidental).
- World War II (1941-1945): Over 65,000 Puerto Ricans served. The 65th Infantry Regiment ('The Borinqueneers') served with distinction in Europe.
- Korean War (1950-1953): The 65th Infantry Regiment served in some of the war's fiercest battles, including the Battle of Outpost Kelly and the retreat from Chosin. Over 61,000 Puerto Ricans served; 740+ were killed.
- Vietnam War (1964-1975): Over 48,000 Puerto Ricans served; approximately 345 were killed.
- Iraq/Afghanistan (2001-2021): Thousands served; dozens killed.
- Total: Over 200,000 Puerto Ricans have served in the U.S. armed forces.

The 65th Infantry Regiment — The Borinqueneers:
The 65th Infantry was a segregated unit composed primarily of Puerto Rican soldiers:
- Served with distinction in WWI, WWII, and Korea
- In Korea, fought at the Battle of Outpost Kelly, Chorwon, and other major engagements
- Suffered a controversial mass court-martial in 1952 when 91 soldiers were convicted of desertion/disobedience — many scholars believe the charges reflected racism against Puerto Rican soldiers by mainland commanders
- The court-martials were later reviewed and many convictions set aside
- The unit received a Congressional Gold Medal in 2014 — 60 years late

The Colonial Paradox:
1. Puerto Ricans can be drafted into military service but cannot vote for the Commander-in-Chief
2. Puerto Rican soldiers fight for 'democracy' while living under undemocratic colonial rule
3. Puerto Rican veterans return to an island where they cannot vote in federal elections
4. Military recruitment targets Puerto Rican youth — who face limited economic opportunities due to colonial policy — as a path out of poverty
5. Military bases have occupied Puerto Rican land (Vieques, Roosevelt Roads, Fort Buchanan) — using the colony as a staging ground

Veterans' Issues: Puerto Rican veterans face:
- VA healthcare facilities with fewer resources than mainland facilities
- Mental health services stretched thin by the physician exodus
- Disability claims processed through a federal system not designed for territorial residents
- The irony of having fought for a country that treats them as less than full citizens

The Draft and Citizenship: The connection between the Jones Act (1917, granting citizenship) and U.S. entry into WWI (1917) is debated by historians. Whether or not citizenship was granted specifically to draft Puerto Ricans, the practical effect was clear: Puerto Ricans became citizens just in time to become soldiers.