Juan César Cordero Dávila

Major General Juan César Cordero Dávila (June 7, 1904 – July 20, 1965), was the commanding officer of the 65th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War, rising to become one of the highest ranking ethnic officers in the United States Army.

His active military career began on June 1, 1942, when he was summoned to serve in World War II.

Early years

Cordero Dávila, born in barrio Trujillo Bajo of Carolina, Puerto Rico, lived in the San Juan Metropolitan Area. He started his education in his native barrio, under Isaías González. Cordero was then named director of the Housing Authority of Puerto Rico.

Korean War When World War II came to an end, Cordero Dávila returned to Puerto Rico and assumed the command of the 296th Regimental Combat Team. He was responsible for training most of the men serving in the 65th Infantry.

On August 26, 1950, the 65th Infantry under the command of Colonel Julian C. Lindsey, left Puerto Rico for Pusan, Korea, and arrived there on September 23, 1950. Under the command of Colonel Linsey, the 65th became the third regiment to cross the Han Ton River. The 65th was the regiment which took and held Cherwon, and they were also instrumental in breaking the Iron Triangle of Hill 717 in July 1951. In November 1951, the regiment fought off an attack by two regimental-size enemy units, with success.

Silver Star citation

Later years On January 2, 1953, Cordero returned to Puerto Rico and retook command of the 296th. On July 20, 1965, Major General Juan César Cordero Dávila died in an airplane-related accident. He was buried at the Puerto Rico National Cemetery with full military honors on July 22 and was survived by his wife Elvira Rubell and three children.

Legacy

The Government of Puerto Rico named the building which houses the Housing Department of Puerto Rico, located at Avenida Barbosa in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico The Juan César Cordero Dávila Building in his honor. The government also named a public housing project in San Juan after him. His son César Narciso would follow in his footsteps, becoming an officer in the PRNG.

Military awards and decorations Among Cordero Dávila's decorations were the following:

Foreign decoration

The Bravery Gold Medal of Greece was given by the Government of Greece to the 65th Infantry Regiment and to the members of the regiment who fought in the Korean War.

Congressional Gold Medal

On June 10, 2014, President Barack Obama, signed the legislation known as "The Borinqueneers CGM Bill" at an official ceremony. The Bill honors the 65th Infantry Regiment with the Congressional Gold Medal.

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