Pedro Nieves

Pedro Nieves was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico in 1925. He served in the United States Army from 1943 through 1945 in Field Artillery and achieved the rank of Corporal.

Mr. Nieves was stationed in Panama, Italy, France, and Germany. During the Korean conflict, he served again in the 65th Infantry Regiment, Company B — known as the “Borinqueneers," an all-Puerto Rican Company. During that time, the 65th Regiment saw some of the most substantial combat of the War, including the famous Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. He was deployed in Korea until the end of the conflict in 1953.

For his bravery and service to our Nation, he earned numerous awards, including the Combat Infantry Badge, the Purple Heart, the Korea Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

In 2014, the Borinqueneers were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in appreciation of their meritorious service — the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed by the United States of America. The 65th Infantry Regiment was the first Korean War unit to receive this honor.

Following his military service, Mr. Nieves worked as a truck driver for Miller Brewing, and as a die-setter for a local manufacturer. Upon passing the Civil Service examination, he had a lengthy career with the United States Postal Service, where he continued his service to country and community as a civilian.

Continuing the family’s tradition of military service, he has two sons who served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era.

Mr. Nieves is an active participant in senior programs at Sunnyside Community Services in Sunnyside, Queens. That is where he met his wife, Betty, whom he married 17 years ago. The couple now resides in Woodside, Queens, where they enjoy regular participation in Sunnyside Community Services' senior programming — and the New York Yankees.