Today’s Star Spangled Salute honors Veteran Carmelo Lopez-Febus. Carmelo was a member of the 65th Infantry Regiment, a segregated unit known as “The Borinqueneers” during the Korean War. The regiment was created shortly after Puerto Rico became part of the United States, but the unit didn’t fully desegregate after President Truman made an executive order in 1948. Sunday, for his service and being a trailblazer, Carmelo was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal and Bronze Star attachment, the United Nations Service Medal and the Congressional Medal of Honor – the highest civilian award given by congress. Congratulations Carmelo and thank you for your service.
