Blood Tax

Blood Tax The island of Puerto Rico became a colony of the United States on December 10, 1898, under the terms of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-American War. Thus, the island has been a possession and part of the United States for more than a hundred years. And, retroactively, the islanders have been American citizens since April 11, 1899, under the Jones Act of 1917. And, coincidentally, with the coming of the Selective Service Act of 1917, all Puerto Rican men 18 to 45 were required to register for the draft, and many served actively during the World War 1 and other armed conflicts since then. Many islanders paid the ultimate price, a “blood tax,” as a consequence of their loyal and valorous service to the nation. And, it should be interjected that the residents of Puerto Rico were not required to speak or read English, other than basic language knowledge, in order to be elegible for the draft. However, language proficiency was not a barrier to the prowess of the Puerto Rican soldier as clearly examplified by the renown of the 65th Infantry Regiment of Puerto Rico during World War 2 and the Korean War. General William W. Harris, commander of the 65th Infantry Regiment stated:veteransforprNo ethnic group has greater pride in itself and its heritage than the Puerto Rican people. Nor have I encountered any that can be more dedicated and zealous in support of the democratic principles for which the United States stands. Many Puerto Ricans have fought to the death to uphold them.