His active military career began on June 1, 1942, when he was summoned to serve in World War II.[1] On January 2, 1952, he was reassigned to Third Infantry Division took over the 65th, commanding them along a set of Korean and Belgium battalions and platoon from Luxembourg.[2] He also served as an S-4 and as executive officer of the 65th.[1] On July 20, 1965, Cordero died during an accident involving a plane.[3]
He was then employed by the Department of Interior and later joined the Irrigation Service in Isabela.[4] When he was 23 years old, Cordero was named Superintendent of Irrigation, remaining in the office until 1938.[1] Cordero was then named director of the Housing Authority of Puerto Rico.[1] On May 25, 1930, Cordero married Elvira Rabell, with whom he had three children, Elvira, César Guillermo and César Narciso.[1]
World War IIedit
Cordero Dávila was assigned to the 65th Infantry Regiment at Camp Las Casas in Santurce, Puerto Rico. In 1942, the regiment underwent an extensive training program and in 1943, was sent to Panama to protect the Pacific and the Atlantic sides of the isthmus. In 1944, the regiment was sent to North Africa, arriving at Casablanca, where they underwent further training. By April 29, 1944, the regiment had landed in Italy and moved on to Corsica. In Corsica they were assigned to guard Army Air Force installations. On September 22, 1944, the 65th Infantry landed in Toulon, France, and was committed to action on the Maritime Alps at Peira Cava. On December 13, the 3rd Battalion under the command of Cordero Dávila, then a lieutenant colonel, relieved the 2nd Battalion of the Japanese-American442nd "Nisei" Infantry Regiment which was under the command of fellow Puerto Rican Col. Virgil R. Miller. Opinions of Cordero's leadership skills were mixed. See video discussion of Cordero's leadership. The 65th Infantry faced the German 34th Infantry Divisions 107th Infantry Regiment and participated in a number of small unit engagements at Turine, Espinal-Chenimeril and Leintray.[1]
Cordero-Dávila served with the regiment in World War II for over three and a half years, advancing from the Regimental S-4 to Battalion Executive Officer, Battalion Commander of the regiment's 3rd Battalion, and Regimental Executive Officer. He also served for short periods during World War II as the Regimental Commander. After the war concluded, Cordero returned to the reserve for six months, then taking command of the Puerto Rico National Guard's 296th Combat Group.[1] On September 10, 1950, Cordero was activated again due to the Korean War, commanding the 296th and overseeing Campamento Tortuguero, Campamento Salinas and Forts Losey and the Henry Barracks.[2]
Korean Waredit
When World War II came to an end, Cordero Dávila returned to Puerto Rico and assumed the commanded of the 296th Regimental Combat Team. He was responsible for training most of the men serving in the 65th Infantry.[5]
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 on July 1951. On November 1951, the Regiment fought off an attack by two Regimental size enemy units, with success.[5]
On February 8, 1952, General J. Lawton Collins, the Army Chief of Staff, named Colonel Cordero Dávila, the highest-ranking Puerto Rican in the Army, Commanding officer of the 65th Regiment.[5]
General Cordero pins the Silver Star on Cpl. Enrique Vega Lugo
On July 3, 1952, the Regiment defended the MLR for 47 days and saw action at Cognac, King and Queen with successful attacks on Chinese People's Volunteer Army (PVA) positions. On July 20, after an enemy counterattack, Cordero Dávila exposed himself to enemy fire and helped to evacuate the wounded men of Company "C" and guide them to safety. Cordero Dávila, a Bronze Star recipient, was awarded the Silver Star for his actions. On October the Regiment also saw action in the Cherwon Sector and on Iron Horse, Hill 391, whose lower part was called "Jackson Heights".[5]
In September 1952, the 65th Infantry was holding on to a position known as "Outpost Kelly". The PVA overran the hill in what became known as the Battle of Outpost Kelly. Twice the 65th Regiment was overwhelmed by PVA artillery and driven off. For his performance during this time, Cordero was congratulated by Gen. Thomas Cross, who labeled one of the attacks supervised by Cordero as "the best attack [that he] witnessed in three wars".[2]
Col. Juan César Cordero Dávila was relieved from his command as regimental commander by Col. Chester B. DeGavre, a non-Hispanic West Point graduate and a "continental," officer from the mainland United States.*[6]
Silver Star citationedit
Juan César Cordero Dávila Rank:Colonel HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION GENERAL ORDERS #303 - 23 September 1952 Citation:
Colonel Juan C. Cordero, 0222751, Infantry, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, United States Army.
on July 20, 1952, Company "C" was attempting a withdrawal after completing a raiding mission on enemy positions near Chongdong, Korea. In the initial phase of the withdrawal the friendly troops were subjected to intense hostile automatic weapons, artillery and mortar fire from nearby enemy positions. Under the withering fire the men became disorganized and began to move in all directions. Realizing the necessity for the company to effect an orderly withdrawal and evacuate the wounded, Colonel Cordero, the Regimental Commander, continuously exposed himself to the hostile bombardment as he moved among the men, offering encouragement and directing them through the heavy enemy fire. Inspired by his courage, the men assumed the initiative and continued to move toward friendly positions. At this time the ridge line over which the withdrawal was to be made was subjected to heavy artillery and mortar fire. Despite the urging of his executive officer that he seek a place of safety, Colonel Cordero refused to leave his men, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, braved the enemy fire to ensure that all had reached safety and the wounded had been evacuated. Colonel Cordero's gallant and inspirational leadership was instrumental to the success of the withdrawal and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Puerto Rico.[7]
Later yearsedit
On January 2, 1953, Cordero returned to Puerto Rico and retook command of the 296th.[2] He also resumed his civil work in the housing projects.[2] While working as Executive Director of CRUV, he was named Puerto Rico's Adjutant General, replacing Esteves who had retired due to health issues.[2] Cordero took office on October 1, 1958, and was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.[2] On July 6, 1960, Cordero was ascended to the rank of Division General.[2]
The 65th Infantry was deactivated when it returned to Puerto Rico in 1956. General Cordero Dávila, persuaded the Department of the Army to transfer the 65th Infantry from the regular Army to the Puerto Rican National Guard. This was the only unit ever transferred from active component Army to the Army Guard. He also served as executive director of the Puerto Rico Housing Authority and Housing Coordinator for the Governor of Puerto Rico Luis Muñoz Marín.[8] 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.[9]
Legacyedit
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.[1]
In 2020 Juan César Cordero Dávila was posthumously inducted to the Puerto Rico Veterans Hall of Fame.[10]
Military awards and decorationsedit
Among Cordero Dávila's decorations were the following:
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.
You can see a video of President Barack Obama awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Borinqueneers HERE
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.[11][12][13][14]
juan, césar, cordero, dávila, this, spanish, name, first, paternal, surname, cordero, second, maternal, family, name, dávila, major, general, june, 1904, july, 1965, commanding, officer, 65th, infantry, regiment, during, korean, rising, become, highest, rankin. In this Spanish name the first or paternal surname is Cordero and the second or maternal family name is Davila Major General Juan Cesar Cordero Davila 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 Juan Cesar Cordero DavilaMajor General Juan Cesar Cordero DavilaBorn 1904 06 07 June 7 1904Carolina Puerto RicoDiedJuly 20 1965 1965 07 20 aged 61 Puerto RicoPlace of burialPuerto Rico National Cemetery in Bayamon Puerto RicoAllegianceUnited States of AmericaService wbr branch United States Army Reserve United States Army Army National GuardYears of service1925 1952RankMajor GeneralUnit442nd Infantry RegimentCommands held65th Infantry 3rd Infantry Division Puerto Rico Adjutant GeneralBattles warsWorld War IIKorean warAwardsSilver Star Bronze Star His active military career began on June 1 1942 when he was summoned to serve in World War II 1 On January 2 1952 he was reassigned to Third Infantry Division took over the 65th commanding them along a set of Korean and Belgium battalions and platoon from Luxembourg 2 He also served as an S 4 and as executive officer of the 65th 1 On July 20 1965 Cordero died during an accident involving a plane 3 Contents 1 Early years 2 World War II 3 Korean War 4 Silver Star citation 5 Later years 6 Legacy 7 Military awards and decorations 8 Promotions 9 See also 10 References 11 External linksEarly years editCordero Davila born in barrio Trujillo Bajo of Carolina Puerto Rico lived in the San Juan Metropolitan Area 4 He started his education in his native barrio under Isaias Gonzalez 4 Cordero completed his elementary education in the public schools of Carolina 4 Midway through high school he joined the UPR s high school from which he graduated 4 Afterwards he was accepted at the Colegio de Agricultura y Artes Mecanicas CAAM now the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez where he actively participated in that institution s Army ROTC program In 1925 he earned his degree as a civil engineer 4 He also gained his United States Army Reserve commission as a Second Lieutenant citation needed 1 He was then employed by the Department of Interior and later joined the Irrigation Service in Isabela 4 When he was 23 years old Cordero was named Superintendent of Irrigation remaining in the office until 1938 1 Cordero was then named director of the Housing Authority of Puerto Rico 1 On May 25 1930 Cordero married Elvira Rabell with whom he had three children Elvira Cesar Guillermo and Cesar Narciso 1 World War II editCordero Davila was assigned to the 65th Infantry Regiment at Camp Las Casas in Santurce Puerto Rico In 1942 the regiment underwent an extensive training program and in 1943 was sent to Panama to protect the Pacific and the Atlantic sides of the isthmus In 1944 the regiment was sent to North Africa arriving at Casablanca where they underwent further training By April 29 1944 the regiment had landed in Italy and moved on to Corsica In Corsica they were assigned to guard Army Air Force installations On September 22 1944 the 65th Infantry landed in Toulon France and was committed to action on the Maritime Alps at Peira Cava On December 13 the 3rd Battalion under the command of Cordero Davila then a lieutenant colonel relieved the 2nd Battalion of the Japanese American 442nd Nisei Infantry Regiment which was under the command of fellow Puerto Rican Col Virgil R Miller Opinions of Cordero s leadership skills were mixed See video discussion of Cordero s leadership The 65th Infantry faced the German 34th Infantry Divisions 107th Infantry Regiment and participated in a number of small unit engagements at Turine Espinal Chenimeril and Leintray 1 Cordero Davila served with the regiment in World War II for over three and a half years advancing from the Regimental S 4 to Battalion Executive Officer Battalion Commander of the regiment s 3rd Battalion and Regimental Executive Officer He also served for short periods during World War II as the Regimental Commander After the war concluded Cordero returned to the reserve for six months then taking command of the Puerto Rico National Guard s 296th Combat Group 1 On September 10 1950 Cordero was activated again due to the Korean War commanding the 296th and overseeing Campamento Tortuguero Campamento Salinas and Forts Losey and the Henry Barracks 2 Korean War editWhen World War II came to an end Cordero Davila returned to Puerto Rico and assumed the commanded of the 296th Regimental Combat Team He was responsible for training most of the men serving in the 65th Infantry 5 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 on July 1951 On November 1951 the Regiment fought off an attack by two Regimental size enemy units with success 5 On February 8 1952 General J Lawton Collins the Army Chief of Staff named Colonel Cordero Davila the highest ranking Puerto Rican in the Army Commanding officer of the 65th Regiment 5 nbsp General Cordero pins the Silver Star on Cpl Enrique Vega Lugo On July 3 1952 the Regiment defended the MLR for 47 days and saw action at Cognac King and Queen with successful attacks on Chinese People s Volunteer Army PVA positions On July 20 after an enemy counterattack Cordero Davila exposed himself to enemy fire and helped to evacuate the wounded men of Company C and guide them to safety Cordero Davila a Bronze Star recipient was awarded the Silver Star for his actions On October the Regiment also saw action in the Cherwon Sector and on Iron Horse Hill 391 whose lower part was called Jackson Heights 5 In September 1952 the 65th Infantry was holding on to a position known as Outpost Kelly The PVA overran the hill in what became known as the Battle of Outpost Kelly Twice the 65th Regiment was overwhelmed by PVA artillery and driven off For his performance during this time Cordero was congratulated by Gen Thomas Cross who labeled one of the attacks supervised by Cordero as the best attack that he witnessed in three wars 2 Col Juan Cesar Cordero Davila was relieved from his command as regimental commander by Col Chester B DeGavre a non Hispanic West Point graduate and a continental officer from the mainland United States 6 Silver Star citation edit nbsp Juan Cesar Cordero Davila Rank Colonel HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION GENERAL ORDERS 303 23 September 1952 Citation Colonel Juan C Cordero 0222751 Infantry Headquarters and Headquarters Company 65th Infantry Regiment 3rd Infantry Division United States Army on July 20 1952 Company C was attempting a withdrawal after completing a raiding mission on enemy positions near Chongdong Korea In the initial phase of the withdrawal the friendly troops were subjected to intense hostile automatic weapons artillery and mortar fire from nearby enemy positions Under the withering fire the men became disorganized and began to move in all directions Realizing the necessity for the company to effect an orderly withdrawal and evacuate the wounded Colonel Cordero the Regimental Commander continuously exposed himself to the hostile bombardment as he moved among the men offering encouragement and directing them through the heavy enemy fire Inspired by his courage the men assumed the initiative and continued to move toward friendly positions At this time the ridge line over which the withdrawal was to be made was subjected to heavy artillery and mortar fire Despite the urging of his executive officer that he seek a place of safety Colonel Cordero refused to leave his men and with complete disregard for his personal safety braved the enemy fire to ensure that all had reached safety and the wounded had been evacuated Colonel Cordero s gallant and inspirational leadership was instrumental to the success of the withdrawal and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service Entered the Federal Service from Puerto Rico 7 Later years editOn January 2 1953 Cordero returned to Puerto Rico and retook command of the 296th 2 He also resumed his civil work in the housing projects 2 While working as Executive Director of CRUV he was named Puerto Rico s Adjutant General replacing Esteves who had retired due to health issues 2 Cordero took office on October 1 1958 and was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General 2 On July 6 1960 Cordero was ascended to the rank of Division General 2 The 65th Infantry was deactivated when it returned to Puerto Rico in 1956 General Cordero Davila persuaded the Department of the Army to transfer the 65th Infantry from the regular Army to the Puerto Rican National Guard This was the only unit ever transferred from active component Army to the Army Guard He also served as executive director of the Puerto Rico Housing Authority and Housing Coordinator for the Governor of Puerto Rico Luis Munoz Marin 8 On July 20 1965 Major General Juan Cesar Cordero Davila 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 9 Legacy editThe 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 Cesar Cordero Davila Building in his honor The government also named a public housing project in San Juan after him His son Cesar Narciso would follow in his footsteps becoming an officer in the PRNG 1 In 2020 Juan Cesar Cordero Davila was posthumously inducted to the Puerto Rico Veterans Hall of Fame 10 Military awards and decorations editAmong Cordero Davila s decorations were the following nbsp Silver Star nbsp Bronze Star nbsp World War II Victory Medal nbsp American Defense Service Medal nbsp European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal nbsp National Defense Service Medal nbsp Armed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze Hourglass Device nbsp nbsp Korean Service Medal with silver service star nbsp United Nations Korea Medal nbsp Army Presidential Unit Citation nbsp Army Meritorious Unit Commendation nbsp Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Badges nbsp Combat Infantryman Badge Foreign decorationThe 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 nbsp Chryssoun Aristion Andrias Bravery Gold Medal of Greece Congressional Gold Medal External videos nbsp You can see a video of President Barack Obama awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Borinqueneers HERE 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 11 12 13 14 Promotions editInsignia Rank Date nbsp Major general 1958 1965 nbsp Brigadier general 1954 1958 nbsp Colonel 1945 1954 nbsp Lieutenant colonel 1944 1945 nbsp Major 1931 1944 nbsp Captain 1929 1931 nbsp First lieutenant 1927 1929 nbsp Second lieutenant 1926 1927See also edit nbsp Puerto Rico portal List of Puerto Ricans List of Puerto Rican military personnel Puerto Ricans in World War II 65th Infantry Puerto Rico Adjutant General Borinqueneers Congressional Gold MedalReferences editCitations a b c d e f g h i Norat 1987 pp 477 a b c d e f g h Norat 1987 pp 478 Norat 1987 pp 479 a b c d e f Norat 1987 pp 476 a b c d Borinqueneers Forgotten Heroes Forgotten War Army Magazine Archived 2008 06 24 at the Wayback Machine Silver Star Citations Korean War Educator Retrieved 2006 12 16 Puerto Rico Herald Puerto Rico National Cemetery https www opv pr gov salon de la fama salon de la fama Obama honors Puerto Rican Infantry Regiment with Congressional Gold Medal Washington Post June 10 2014 Dan Friedman Puerto Rico s Borinqueneers recognized with Congressional Gold Medal New York Daily News June 11 2014 Obama awards Borinqueneers Congressional Medal of Honor NBC News June 10 2014 Richard Payerchin President Obama to honor Army s Puerto Rican regiment the Borinqueneers The Morning Journal June 9 2014 Bibliography Norat Jose Angel March 27 1987 Historia y Tradiciones Guardia Nacional de Puerto Rico Cinco Centurias En Guardia Esmaco Printers Further reading Puertorriquenos Who Served With Guts Glory and Honor Fighting to Defend a Nation Not Completely Their Own by Greg Boudonck ISBN 978 1497421837 Military offices Preceded byMajor General Luis R Esteves Adjutant General of the Puerto Rico National GuardUnder Governor Luis Munoz Marin1958 1965 Succeeded byMajor General Salvador T RoigExternal links editPuerto Rico Herald Army Magazine Silver Star Citation Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Juan Cesar Cordero Davila amp oldid 1219503284, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
