Both Hispanic men and women have served bravely in the United States military since the late 1700s during the Revolutionary War. Roughly 4,000 Hispanic Americans served during World War I and thousands more served in every theater during World War II. The 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, served in both World War II and Korea — they were recognized for their service with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2016.
Sixty Hispanic American service members have received the military's highest award, the Medal of Honor, for their sacrifice for the country. During Hispanic-American Heritage Month, we recognize those service members, their branches of service, and the date the medal was awarded.
CIVIL WARJoseph H. De Castro, U.S. Army — December 1, 1864John Ortega, U.S.Navy — December 31, 1864Phillip Bazaar, U.S. Navy — June 16, 1865
BOXER REBELLIONFrance Silva, U.S. Marine Corps — June 28, 1900
WORLD WAR IDavid Barkley Cantu, U.S. Army, KIA — November 9, 1918
WORLD WAR IIJoe P. Martinez, U.S. Army, KIA — May 26, 1943
