Additional information:

https://news.va.gov/102701/veteranoftheday-army-veteran-modesto-cartagena-de-jesus/.

https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/7068

https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/05/us/05cartagena.html.

Modesto Cartagena is a Notable burial at https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/puertorico.asp.  He is the most decorated Hispanic soldier to serve in the Korean War. Cartagena enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and was assigned to the all-Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the Borinqueneers (derivation of Borinquen, the island name used by original inhabitants, the Taino Indians). He fought in Europe during World War II, earning Bronze and Silver stars. During the Korean War, SGT FC Cartagena saved the lives of his unit by charging into enemy fire and “single-handedly" knocking out enemy emplacements before being wounded. This action earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. The Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico awarded him its Military Medal of Honor for his notable career. The Borinqueneers were also honored with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014 for bravery in battle, becoming the first Hispanic military unit to receive the award. Cartagena died in 2010.  https://borinqueneers.com/en_US/soldier/sfc-modesto-cartagena-ret/.  *The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. 



Puerto Rico National Cemetery

modesto cartagena-de jesus's Profile Picture

Sgt. 1st Class Cartagena served in the 65th Infantry Regiment, an all Puerto Rican enlisted soldiers and officers from the continental United States also known as "The Borinqueneers," during World War II and the Korean War, becoming the most decorated Hispanic soldier in that war. He was the most decorated Puerto Rican soldier in history. The Distinguished Service Cross was presented to Cartagena for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Sergeant Cartagena distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yonch'on, Korea, on 19 April 1951. The Borinqueneers received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014. The honorary medal was presented in 2016 by President Barack Obama.

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