Julio A. Feliu

Julio A. Feliu is a distinguished veteran who served the country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War. Mr. Feliu served in active duty from 1951 until 1952, achieving the rank of Corporal during his military career. 

Mr. Feliu spent his early years in Mayaguez, a city on the western coast of Puerto Rico. Upon his enlistment into the Army, Mr. Feliu was assigned to the 65th Infantry Regiment’s Company “M.” The 65th Infantry Regiment – nicknamed the Borinqueneers after the indigenous name for Puerto Rico – was composed primarily of servicemen from Puerto Rico. 

On October 3, 1951, the Heavy Machine Gun Platoon of Company “M” was providing support to another unit of the 65th Infantry in an assault upon enemy positions near Chorwon, Korea. The machine guns that were manned by the infantry were subjected to heavy enemy mortar fire. This inflicted casualties on personnel of the platoon, damaging one weapon and leaving another idle for lack of an operator. 

In the throes of war, and despite the incessant mortar barrage, Mr. Feliu bravely administered first aid to the ambulatory wounded men and removed the others to the safety of a pillbox. He then carried the machine guns to a more tenable position, where he assisted in repairing the damaged gun while maintaining fire. 

Mr. Feliu was recognized for his bravery in battle and his service to our Nation, being awarded a Bronze Star Medal. In April 2016, over six decades after the end of the Korean War, Mr. Feliu was the recipient of a Congressional Gold Medal for his service alongside his fellow Borinqueneers of the 65th Infantry Regiment, commemorating the Regiment’s significant contributions to the United States’ military efforts in the twentieth century.

 A longtime resident of the 29th Senate District, Mr. Feliu now resides in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York City.

 Mr. Feliu’s heroism and ability to remain focused while under fire reflect great credit upon himself and his military service.