"They were assigned the toughest tasks and outperformed the rest!"

MEN OF THE 65TH: THE BORINQUENEERS OF THE KOREAN WAR is the amazingly clear and well-presented history of this special group of brave and patriotic fighting men, whom most people have never heard of before. Organized and celebrated for over 100 years ago, the infantry regiment’s incredible and spotless record was besmirched during their long service in the Korean War. Only in recent years were they exonerated.

The 65th was a segregated all-Puerto Rican infantry regiment in the United States Army with a ferocious reputation. Many of the soldiers spoke Spanish, creating a communication problem with some of their English-only officers. There even existed a lot of prejudice against these men by their white officers. However, in the years the 65th fought in Korea, they were given some of the toughest, nastiest, and most hopeless assignments, and they still produced numerous examples of outstanding personal and regimental heroism. Still, near the end of the war, when the 65th was at the limits of its trained personnel and resources, they were tasked with the impossible and, perhaps, the ill-planned, and some of the men had had enough.

As the author mentions, the Korean War is often called “The Forgotten War,” probably because it followed closely behind two world wars and preceded VietNam. The study of this conflict barely got a mention in any U.S. history course I ever took, and I would go so far as to say most people’s knowledge of the Korean War is whatever they gleaned from the television show M*A*S*H.

The author’s writing style is easy to read, and the storytelling and research are compelling. While the book targets a young adult audience, I think even older readers will find it fascinating reading. I know I did.

I recommend MEN OF THE 65TH: THE BORINQUENEERS OF THE KOREAN WAR to non-fiction readers interested in this little-known part of history.

"Men of the 65th: The Borinqueneers of the Korean War" by Talia Aikens-Nuñez is a poignant and compelling tribute to the brave soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers, who fought valiantly during the Korean War. Through meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, Aikens-Nuñez brings to light the experiences of these often-overlooked heroes and sheds light on their contributions to American history. In addition to its exploration of historical events, the book also celebrates the resilience and courage of the Borinqueneers in the face of adversity. Aikens-Nuñez honors their memory and their service, ensuring that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Overall, "Men of the 65th: The Borinqueneers of the Korean War" is a powerful and moving tribute to a group of unsung heroes who fought bravely for their country despite facing discrimination and adversity. Aikens-Nuñez's heartfelt storytelling and deep respect for her subjects make this book essential reading for anyone interested in learning more about the overlooked contributions of Puerto Rican soldiers to American military history.

I learned a lot about 65th Infantry regiment of the army reading this book. Why I tend to know a lot about Marine Corp history the rest of the branches tend to be spotty.

"Men of the 65th" is a compelling account of the U.S. Army 65th Regiment hailing from Puerto Rico. Established after the Spanish American War, this unit distinguished itself through its valor and service in both World War I and World War II. These soldiers were renowned for their unwavering determination, resilience, and fearlessness in battle. When deployed to the Korean peninsula during the Korean War, their disciplined and exceptional performance earned them further recognition. However, a series of leadership changes, high turnover rates due to battle losses and routine rotations, resulted in a decline in morale and inconsistent battlefield performance. This deterioration culminated in numerous court-martials as many soldiers refused to march into another perilous battle. The question arises: was this response justifiable considering their prior heroic contributions?

The book delves into a fascinating narrative, presented in a traditional history book format replete with troop movements, troop statistics, and intricate battle details. While this approach may occasionally appear repetitive and dry, Aikens-Nunez effectively employs these facts to build a compelling argument for the discrimination faced by the 65th Regiment, even as they garnered accolades for their bravery.

The inclusion of sidebars, offering supplementary information on critical concepts such as the background of the Borinqueneers and the nomenclature used to describe different groups in the Army, enriches the reader's understanding and engagement with the subject matter. Moreover, the presence of maps featuring the body of water on the eastern side of the Korean peninsula provides both the commonly recognized "Sea of Japan" and the South Korean-preferred "East Sea," reflecting the ongoing debate regarding the name. South Korea advocates for the change to "East Sea." "Men of the 65th" is well-suited for middle and high school readers eager to gain insights into the Korean War and its unique dynamics.

I extend my gratitude to NetGalley, Lerner Publishing Group, and Zest Books for granting me an advanced reader copy of "Men of the 65th" in exchange for my considered review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Beautifully written book with a lot of information. Would definitely add to classroom library but isn’t something I would be able to work into curriculum from the district.

The Borinqueneers were the U.S. Army’s first (and last) segregated Latino regiment. Formed in 1898 they defended the homeland, patrolled the Panama Canal, fought in WWII, and became legendary during the Korean War. The text focuses on the Korean conflict, bringing to life that forgotten war and the 65th’s critical role in it. Central to the story is how the regiment moved from one of the most distinguished to being part of the war’s largest mass court martial. Efforts to reverse that dishonor, culminating in 2014, bring the story into the present. The text is dotted with sidebars that provide military and cultural context. Quotes, archival photos, maps, and charts break up the text. While transitions are sometimes abrupt, and the prose occasionally dry, the remarkable stories of the soldiers shine through. The author’s deep research provides context for the battles, acts of valor, and racist treatment by some in command. Suitable for reports, back matter includes a time line, a glossary, source notes, a selected biography, further reading, and an index. Thanks to Lerner / Zest and NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy in return for an unbiased review.

The author weaves an historical account of the only Puerto Rican unit in the United States Army from its inception through its courageous fighting during both World Wars and the Korean War despite facing discrimination. Filled with historical photos, maps, graphs, and tons of extra historical information, Nunez shares the story of the Borinqueneers, whose legacy was recognized in 2016 when they received the Congressional Gold Medal.

I chose to read Men of the 65th because my father-in-law served during the Korean War, and because I don’t know a lot about the conflict. These brave men of the 65th impressed their peers with their ingenuity and determination. They faced discrimination, capture, and were largely overlooked by history, but through a grassroots effort would finally be recognized for their contributions.

If you enjoy history, especially military history, stories of those who have overcome discrimination, or accounts of bravery, Men of the 65th is an excellent choice.

Thank you to Lerner Publishing through the US Book Show and Net Galley for providing an early copy of Men of the 65th by Talia Aikens-Nunez

The research and writing of Aikens=Nunez adds immeasurably to the body of work about US soldiers and their unending dedication to preserving peace and defeating enemies. Little if anything is known about the 65th Infantry known as Borinqueneers, a joining of the original name of Puerto Rico (Borinquen) and a derivative of "buccaneers".

Not only did the Borinqueneers face the everyday struggles and perils of any soldier on active duty, this group also faced prejudice, lack of essentials at crucial times and poor leadership when they were ordered to attempt a retake of a hill in Korea that would surely lead to disaster. Because most of the regiment refused the order, they were court=martialed and put on trial. An interesting note reveals that white soldiers who also refused the order were not subject to any discipline.

While the target audience for this non-fiction reading is middle grades, adults will find it a knowledgeable and engaging read, especially if little is known about the Borinqueneers. The author offers the background necessary to understand the dangerous and important endeavors of this group of soldiers. Supported by photographs and captions, a timeline of the 65th Infantry Regiment, a glossary, source notes, suggested bibliography, an index and suggestions for further reading, a reader will come away with a snapshot of another little-known group who deserves recognition (recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal by former president Barack Obama),

Men of the 65th is a strong addition to any school library.

In 1950 the 65th Infantry Regiment, a segregated unit made up of soldiers from across Puerto Rico, were sent to fight in Korea for several years. Aiken-Nuñez narrates the brave ways in which they conducted themselves in battle, their many medals of bravery, the prejudice they faced, and the admiration they gained from a grateful Nation. By the end of the war prejudice led to the court-martial of 91 of these soldiers for something caused by the failures of Army brass. As readers learn what bravery, pride and being a member of the 65th meant to these men, they can understand the pain and confusion they felt after being emasculated on the field of battle. The wrongs they endured weren’t fully righted until 2014 when President Barack Obama honored the Regiment, and the few remaining survivors, with the Congressional Gold Medal.

I was interested in reading this book because my uncle served in the Korean War, in a different regiment since he lived off Island, and had recounted some of the prejudice he faced for being a Puerto Rican Afro-Latino in a White man’s Army. Readers will find numerous explanations for technical Army terms, with photographs, maps and copious endnotes included to enhance their understanding.

Recommended for ages 16 and older.

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is an accessible read about the 65th Regiment in general and their service in the Korean War more specifically. It reads like middle grade intro to the topic, so good for those into military history in general or Puerto Rican history. Decent addition to a library or for that specific student for class reading or to start off an independent project!

“Men of the 65th” is the gripping story of the U.S. Army 65th Regiment from Puerto Rico. Formed after the Spanish American War, the unit fought with distinction in World War I and World War II. The men of the 65th were known for their determination, fortitude, and ferocity in battle. The regiment was sent to the Korean peninsula during the Korean War, where the highly disciplined group earned even more accolades. A series of changes in leadership and turnover in the ranks (because of battle losses and regular rotation out) led to a decline in morale and uneven performance on the battlefield. Ultimately, dozens of men were court-martialed after refusing to walk into another meat-grinder of a battle. Was this fair or appropriate given everything they had done?

This is a fascinating story that reads like a traditional history book with troop movements, numbers of troops, and battle details. This can seem repetitive and dry at times. On the other hand, Aikens-Nunez uses these facts to make a convincing case that the 65th faced discrimination even as they were lauded for bravery.

Sidebars give additional explanation for key ideas such as background on the Borinqueneers (and what the name means) and the names for groups of people in the Army. These add interest and explanation.

Maps that include the body of water on the eastern side of the Korean peninsula show both names: the familiar Sea of Japan and the South Korean preferred name, East Sea. South Korea continues to advocate for the name change to the East Sea.

“Men of the 65th” would be great for middle and high school readers who want to know more about how the Korean War was fought.

Thanks to NetGalley, Lerner Publishing Group, and Zest Books for an advance reader copy of “Men of the 65th” in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

An interesting and age-appropriate look at the 65th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. Known as the Bouriquenos, for the Tanio named for Porto Rico, the 65th was an intigrated unit of Porto Rican soldiers who served with distinction in WWII and in the Korean War. While fighting hopeless battles in Korea, under-supplied and exhausted, members of the 65th refused to fight in a suicide mission and were court-martialed en masse, despite soldiers from other units doing the same without punishment. Men of the 65th lays out this history clearly and unemotionally, not shying away from the horror and racism the soldiers faced but not reveling in it. Most appropriate for ages 10-14.

A truly great book on a little-known US Army regiment. The story was inspirational and the full of action. The first- hand accounts of heroism were terrific. The story will keep you interested and makes this a must read. Overall, a great read!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Over the last 80 years, there have been thousands of books about the US in World War II, but relatively little about the Korean War. Since it occurred from 1950-1953, we are quickly reaching the same point with survivors that we are with WWII; few are left. I'm glad to see a book that not only provides vital information about basics of the war, but also sheds light on the involvement and treatment of a lesser known group of soldiers, a group from Puerto Rico.

There are some middle school readers who are obsessed with reading about war, and it's a fine line between giving them all of the battlefield that they want and balancing it with historical information to give them context and also show them that war is not a good thing. Aikens-Nuñez does a great job of this. There is a great explanation not only of the events leading up to the Korean War and the US involvement in it, but a lot of great information about Puerto Rico, the Spanish-American War, and the start of the Borinqueneers in 1899 and the various roles they have played through history.

There are plenty of information about the training of soldiers, the set up of the army (I love the one page that broke down the different terms of what different military groups are called, not that any of the information stayed with me!), and various operations and fighting. This is well illustrated with period photographs, and while I always think that pictures of groups like the singing Sons of Puerto Rico are fun, my military experts will enjoy the equipment or battlefields, and will ADORE all of the maps that start the chapters.

The most interesting part of the book is the court martial of ninety-six members of the regiment following the retreat from Hill 391. The group was treated very unfairly, which highlighted the way that members of color were treated in the military at this point in time. The army tried to hush it up, and eventually everyone was exonerated. In 2016, the 65th Infantry was presented with a Congressional Gold Medal. While it's good to have this treatment come to light and know that people in power are trying to do better, there are so many stories like this that it makes me wonder if the military will ever really change.

This is a well-researched and formatted book for middle grade and even high school libraries. There is a good glossary, timeline, and abundant source notes at the end. I'm glad that we are finally seeing more military history that shows the dedication and resilience of underrepresented populations in the face of social and political oppression. This is a great book to have alongside ones like Farrell's Standing Up Against Hate: How Black Women in the Army Helped Change the Course of WWII, Stone's Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles, Walker's Deadly Aim: The Civil War Story of Michigan's Anishinaabe Sharpshooters or Turner's Man Called Horse: John Horse and the Black Seminole Underground Railroad.

My first time hearing about this unit. I’m-whitewashing history is important and I’m glad that this book is available for younger audiences. That being said, the writing seemed a bit tepid. I realize it may be the target reader but there were points I felt lacked depth.