Brigadier General Luis R. Esteves (1893 – 1958), born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, was the first Puerto Rican to graduate from West Point in June 19,1915 and was also the founder of the Puerto Rican National Guard
Esteves father who had served in the Spanish, was of German descent and came from a long line of militaryman. Esteves received his primary and secondary education in private institutions. Upon the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, the Esteves family welcomed the Americans as an alternative to Spanish rule in the island. Esteves father wanted his son to continue the family military tradition and inspired his son to consider a military career.
Esteves was accepted to West Point, thus becoming the first Puerto Rican to accomplish such a feat. While he attended West Point, he tutored fellow classmate Dwight D. Eisenhower in Spanish. A second language was required in order to graduate. Esteves graduated first in his class which was a feat in itself when considering that Dwight D. Eisenhower(future President) and Omar Bradley where among his fellow classmates.
He was a 2nd Lieutenant in the 23rd Infantry of the Army under the command of General Pershing, when he was sent to "El Paso",Texas during the "Pancho Villa Incident". From El Paso, he was sent to the town of "Polvo",Mexico where he was appointed Mayor and judge by its citizens.
Esteves helped organize the 23rd Battalion which would be composed of Puerto Ricans and be stationed in Panama during WWI. Esteves also helped organize the Puerto Rican National Guard. The resulting regiment was designated to become the glorious 65th Infantry in 1920.
General Esteves main hobby was Military history. He also published two books "Los Barrabases" and "Los Soldados Son Así".
Luis R. Esteves died in 1958 in San Juan, Puerto.
The U.S. Army named its military installation in San Juan "Gen. Luis R. Esteves" and the street in front of the Puerto Rican National Guards Headquarters was renamed "La Calle Gen. Esteves" in his honor.
See also
Last updated: 10-11-2005 03:10:56
