Obama honors troops from segregation era
Source: USA Today
Obama honors troops from segregation era
The Oval
David Jackson, USA TODAY 1:39 p.m. EDT June 10, 2014
President Obama on Tuesday honored a special group of troops who fought for the United States even as it segregated its military units.
The Borinqueneers, a regiment formed in Puerto Rico after it became part of the United States in 1898, served honorably in both world wars, as well as in the Korean War, Obama said.
Segregation "set them apart from their fellow soldiers, but their courage made them legendary," the president said before signing a bill conferring the Congressional Gold Medal on the regiment.
The unit was discontinued in the 1950s, as the military services desegregated.
"It's a proud day for all of those whose lives they saved and whose freedom they defended," Obama said. "It's a proud day for all Americans, especially Hispanic Americans, who have made extraordinary contributions to our country, many through their military service."
Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/story/theoval/2014/06/10/obama-borinqueneers-congressional-gold-medal-puerto-rico/10283151/