Miguel Hernandez Colon, of Hamilton Township, received military medals Aug. 28, more than 66 years after the veteran enlisted in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Korea.

Hernandez, 85, enlisted Feb. 27, 1952 and served through March 10, 1954. In front of many of the veteran’s children, grandchildren and other friends and family at the Active Day of Hamilton Adult Day Care Center on Whitehead Road in Hamilton, Rep. Chris Smith presented Hernandez with federal medals (National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal) and state medals (N.J. Korean Service Medal, N.J. Distinguished Service Medal).

Watch photo slide show at left.

Rep. Smith (left) and Miguel Hernandez Colon (right), Korean War veteran who served in the U.S. Army 65th Infantry Regiment

Hernandez served in the legendary Borinqueneers, officially known as the 65th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army based in Puerto Rico, as well as a reservist for seven years.

Smith recounted how then-Pvt. Hernandez was sent by boat to the Sea of Japan and then sent to Korea to guard prisoners, noting that Hernandez has shared with his family that when the truce was signed, the North Korean prisoners did not want to leave.

The 65th was praised by many for its services, including Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur who said the unit’s men were, “Showing magnificent ability and courage in field operations. They are a credit to Puerto Rico, and I am proud to have them in my command.”

Hernandez’s family has a strong military history: His son, Miguel Hernandez Jr., served in the Marines for two years and the Army for 10, including in Grenada and the Gulf War. Now residing in Washington State, he joined the event via Facetime.

After the war, Hernandez graduated and served as a public school teacher for more than 40 years, including many years in the Trenton School District. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Catholic University of Puerto Rico and received a master’s degree in Urban studies from The College of New Jersey. He also taught at Mercer County Community College where he helped get many students their high school equivalency degrees.