Blog Tour: MEN OF THE 65TH by Talia Aikens-Nunez

 

Men of the 65th

by Talia Aikens-Nunez

 

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GENRE: YA Nonfiction

 

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BLURB:

 

Honor and Fidelity. That is the motto of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, the only Puerto Rican unit in the United States Army.

 

Since the regiment’s creation in 1899, the men of the 65th have proudly served the US through multiple wars, despite facing racial discrimination. Their courage, loyalty, and patriotism earned them hundreds of accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.

 

But the honor and fidelity of the men of the 65th came into question in 1952, in the midst of the Korean War, when ninety-one Borinqueneers were arrested and tried for desertion and disobeying orders. How could this happen in one of the most distinguished and decorated units of the Army?

 

In this telling of one of the forgotten stories of the Korean War, author Talia Aikens-Nuñez guides us through the history of the Borinqueneers and the challenges they faced leading up to what was the largest court martial in the entire war. Rediscover the bravery of the men of the 65th through Aikens-Nuñez’s thorough writing and the soldiers’ firsthand accounts of the Korean War.

 

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Excerpt One:

 

The US public was shocked to discover that during the war, 162 soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment had been court-martialed and ninety-one of those soldiers found guilty of disobeying orders and desertion.

 

The US military kept the courts-martial quiet. But the soldiers of the 65th sent letters to their families describing what was happening, which led to public outcry and confusion from the press. How could one of the most distinguished regiments of the Korean War, whose soldiers had only months before been praised by General Douglas MacArthur for their “brilliant record of heroism,” become involved in the largest mass court-martial of the Korean War?

 

Did the Borinqueneers lose their bravery and heroism in such a short time? Or were they victims of discrimination in a prejudiced and segregated system? Were they betrayed by the country they risked their lives for?

 

This is the story of one of the bravest and most decorated regiments in the history of the US military. It is a forgotten story in a forgotten war. But it is a story of patriotism, loyalty, and bravery in the face of danger and discrimination, and it is one that deserves to be told.

 

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 GUEST POST

I hope readers gain an understanding and appreciation for what the Men of the 65th did for our country. They endured fighting with their summer uniforms in temperatures below zero, they endured commanders questioning their “manhood”, and they endured unequal treatment.

 

There are parts of American history that are dark. The book discusses the military’s segregation practices. It also details differences in treatment between this segregated mostly Puerto Rican unit and all white units in the Army.

 

And, there are parts of American history that show the enduring spirit of the people that fight for this country. The book goes into that as well. It explains the integral role that the Men of the 65^th had in what many call the greatest evacuation movement by sea. In the Korean War during that movement, the Men of the 65^th maintained cover for other soldiers and Marines who were trapped by enemy soldiers, North Koreans and Chinese. The motto of the 65^th Infantry Regiment is Honor et Fidelitas which is Latin for “Honor and Fidelity.” The men exemplified this in the numerous battles they fought in the Korean War and the number of medals they were awarded.

 

Even though people call the Korean War ‘the forgotten war’ these men that fought for this country must not be forgotten. I hope that this part of American history gets incorporated into US history class in high school. Students should learn about their contributions and understand what the Men of the 65^th did for our country.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Talia Aikens-Nuñez is passionate about sharing with young readers the little known stories, accomplishments, and contributions of people of color from all throughout history. Aikens-Nuñez is the author of Small Nap, Little Dream, a bilingual Spanish/English picture book. She and her husband live in Connecticut with their two children.

 

Links:

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Men-65th-Borinqueneers-Korean-War/dp/1728479142

Lerner: https://lernerbooks.com/shop/show/22654

Twitter: talia_n

Website: Http://www.kidslitbytalia.com  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/taliaaikensnunezchildrenswriter

 

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GIVEAWAY 

Talia Aikens-Nunez will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway