The Full Wiki



More info on List of Puerto Ricans

List of Puerto Ricans: Map
  
  

Wikipedia article:

Map showing all locations mentioned on Wikipedia article:


List of notable Puerto Ricans




Flag of Puerto Rico  Coat of arms of Puerto Rico



Puerto Rico


This list of Puerto Ricans includes people who were born in Puerto Rico, people who are of Puerto Rican ancestry, and many long-term residents and/or immigrants who have made Puerto Rico their home, and who are recognized for their life and/or work.

This list should be carefully maintained, and adding or deleting a name without first discussing the change on the article's talk page is likely to be reverted. This list should contain the names of persons who meet the pre-established , even if the person does not have an article yet. Additions to the list must be listed in alphabetical order by surname and must provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability and/or the person's link to Puerto Rico, otherwise the name will be removed.

Actors, actresses, comedians and directors

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this list's header, who have led notable careers as actors, actresses, comedians and directors. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.


A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R

S T U V

W Z

Television show hosts



Architects

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as architects. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.
  • Amaral, Jesús Eduardo

    Architect, educator. First dean of the School of Architecture at the University of Puerto Rico. Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.
  • Mignucci, Andres

    Architect, urbanist. Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.
  • Klumb, Henry

    German-born architect responsible for many Puerto Rico designs from 1944 to 1984. Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.
  • Nechodoma, Antonin

    Notable Czech architect.
  • Rigau, Jorge

    Architect, educator. First dean of the School of Architecture at the Polythecnic University of Puerto Rico. Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.
  • Toro Ferrer

    Pioneering Puerto Rican architectural firm led by Osvaldo Toro FAIA and Miguel Ferrer FAIA, both Fellows of the American Institute of Architects and responsible for such landmarks as the Caribe Hilton, the Supreme Court, the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport and the Hotel La Concha.


Authors, playwrights and poets

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as Authors, playwrights and poets. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.


A. B. C.

D. E. F.
  • Dr. Feliciano, Hector, author

    Feliciano's book "The Lost Museum: The Nazi Conspiracy to Steal the World's Greatest Works of Art" has shed a light on an estimated 20,000 looted works; each one is owned by a museum or a collector somewhere.
  • Dr. Ferré, Rosario, writer
  • Flores, Shaggy, Nuyorican Writer, Poet,

    African Diaspora Scholar, Founder of Voices for the Voiceless.
G. L. M. N. O.
  • Ortiz Cofer, Judith, poet, writer and essayist
  • Ostow, Micol, author

    Ostow wrote of "Mind Your Manners, Dick and Jane". Her novel, "Emily Goldberg Learns to Salsa", was named a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age.
P. Q. R. S. T. U. V. W. Z.

Beauty queens and fashion models

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as Beauty Queens and Fashion Models. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.

Business people and industrialists

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as Business people and industrialists. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.

Cartoonists

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as Cartoonists. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.

Civil rights and/or political activists

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as civil rights or political activists. In the case of the political activist, the person in this section never held public office nor was the founder of a political party or ideal, but participated in political activities which by some may be viewed as patriotic and for others as criminal. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.
  • Bracetti, Mariana a.k.a. "Brazo de Oro" (Golden Arm) Political activist

    Bracetti was the leader of the "Lares's Revolutionary Council" during the Grito de Lares. Bracetti knit the first flag of the future "Republic of Puerto Rico".
  • Brugman, Mathias Political activist

    Leader of the Grito de Lares. Brugman founded the first revolutionary committee in the City of Mayagüez. His revolutionary cell was code named: "Capa Prieto" (Black Cape).
  • Dr. Cadilla, María Women rights activist

    Women rights activist and one the first women in Puerto Rico to earn a doctorates degree.
  • Canales, Blanca Political activist

    Nationalist leader who led the Jayuyamarker revolt.
  • Capetillo, Luisa Labor activist

    Capetillo was one of Puerto Rico's most famous labor organizers. She was also a writer and an anarchist who fought for workers and women's rights.
  • Collazo, Oscar Political activist

    One of two nationalists who attempted to assassinate President Harry S. Truman.
  • De Jesus Mercado, Alberto a.k.a. "Tito Kayak", Political activist

    De Jesus Mercado gained notoriety when a group of Vieques natives and other Puerto Ricans, including De Jesus Mercado, began protesting and squatting on U.S. Navy bombing zones, after the 1999 death of Puerto Rican civilian and Vieques native David Sanes, who was killed during a U.S. Naval bombing exercise.
  • del Villard, Sylvia Afro-Puerto Rican activist

    Founder of the Afro-Boricua El Coqui Theater, was known to be an outspoken activist who fought for the equal rights of the Black Puerto Rican artist. In 1981, she became the first and only director of the office of the Afro-Puerto Rican affairs of the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture. (see also actresses)
  • Gonzalez, Isabel Civil Rights activist

    Young Puerto Rican mother who paved the way for Puerto Ricans to be given United States citizenship.
  • Lebrón, Lolita Political activist

    Nationalist leader and activist. Lebrón was the leader of a group of nationalists, who proceeded to attack the United States House of Representatives in 1954.
  • Méndez, Sylvia Civil Rights activist

    Educator and Civil rights activist, played an instrumental role in the landmark Mendez v. Westminster case.
  • O'Neill, Ana María Women Rights activist

    Educator and women's rights advocate.
  • Olivieri Sanchez, Manuel Civil Rights activist

    Olivieri Sanchez was a court interpreter and a civil rights activist who led the legal battle which granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans living in Hawaii.
  • Rivera, Sylvia Transgender activist

    Sylvia Rivera was a pioneer of the LGBT movement and was a veteran of the 1969 Stonewall riots.
  • Romero, Anthony Civil rights leader

    Romero is the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union.
  • Roque, Ana Women Rights activist

    Roque was an educator and suffragist. She was also one of the founders of the University of Puerto Rico.
  • Schomburg, Arturo Alfonso Civil rights

    Schomburg was a pioneer in black history. He helped raise awareness of the great contribution that Afro-Latin Americans and Afro-Americans have made to society.
  • Torresola, Griselio Political activist

    Nationalist who died in attempt to assassinate President Harry S. Truman in 1950.
  • Vélez Rieckehoff, Carlos Political activist

    Former President of the New York chapter of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party in the 1930s. In the 1990s Rieckehoff was among the protesters who protested against the United States Navy's use of his birth place, the island of Vieques, as a bombing range..
  • Dr. Viscal Garriga, Olga Political activist

    member of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party. During the late 1940s she became a student leader at the University of Puerto Rico and spokesperson of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party's branch in Rio Piedras.


Composers, musicians and singers



The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as Composers, musicians and singers. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.

A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. O.

P. Q. R. S.

T. V. W.

Criminals and outlaws

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who were infamous and well known Criminals and outlaws. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and chronologically by the century in which notability was achieved, and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.

Pre-20th Century

20th Century

21st Century

Diplomats

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who are notable Diplomats. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and chronologically by century and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.

20th Century

21st Century

Educators and scientists

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers in the fields of education or science. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.
  • Acaba, Joseph M. Educator

    First Puerto Rican astronaut
  • Dr. Acosta, Ursula Educator

    One of the founding members of the Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Genealogía (Puerto Rican Genealogical Society)
  • Dr. Albizu Miranda, Carlos Psychologist, educator

    First Hispanic Educator to have a North American University renamed in his honor and one of the first Hispanics to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology in the United States.
  • Dr. Alegría, Ricardo Anthropologist, archaeologist and educator

    "Father of Modern Puerto Rican Archaeology".
  • Dr. Arce de Vázquez,Margot Educator

    Founder of the Department of Hispanic Studies in the University of Puerto Rico.
  • Dr. Barbosa, Pilar UPR Professor, author

    First modern-day Official Historian of Puerto Rico/
  • Dr. Beauchamp, Pedro Surgeon

    The first Puerto Rican specialist certified by the American Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Board, performed the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) technique on the island in 1985.
  • Dr. Benítez, Jaime Former Resident Commissioner

    Longest serving chancellor and president of the University of Puerto Rico
  • Dr. Blanco, Victor Manuel Astronomer

    In 1959, Blanco discovered a "Blanco 1", a galactic cluster.. Blanco was the second Director of the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chilemarker, which has the largest 4-m telescope in the Southern Hemispheremarker, In 1995, the telescope was dedicated in his honor and named the "Victor M. Blanco Telescope" and is also known as the "Blanco 4m"
  • Bonilla, Frank Educator

    Academic who became a leading figure in Puerto Rican Studies.
  • Dr. Bras, Rafael L. Former chair of Civil Engineering at MITmarker

    One of the world's leading experts in hydrometeorology and global warming.
  • Busquets, Anthony M. Busquets Electronic engineer, aerospace technologist

    Busquets is involved in the development and application of multifunction control/display switch technology in 1983 and Development and application of a microprocessor-based I/O system for simulator use in 1984.
  • Dr. Chardón, Carlos, only Puerto Rican to serve twice as Puerto Rico Secretary of Education
  • Dr. Chardón, Carlos E. a.k.a. the "Father of Mycology in Puerto Rico"

    Chardón is the first Puerto Rican mycologist. Discovered the aphid "Aphis maidis", the vector of the mosaic of sugar cane, in 1922. Author of the "Chardón Plan" and first Puerto Rican to hold the position of Chancellor of the University of Puerto Rico.
  • Dr. Cintrón, Nitza Margarita Scientist

    Chief of NASAmarker's (JSC) Space and Health Care Systems Office.
  • Dr. Coello Novello, Antonia

    First Hispanic and first woman U.S. Surgeon General (1990-93).
  • Cordero, Rafael educator

    Declared Venerable in 2004 by Pope John Paul II; process for beatification is now in motion with Benedictine Fr. Oscar Rivera as Procurator of the Cause.
  • Correa-Pérez, Juan R. Ph.D., scientist, clinical andrologist and embryologist

    Dr. Correa-Pérez is a scientist who is credited with becoming the first clinical Andrologist and Embryologist in Puerto Rico.
  • Dr. Cruz, Juan R. NASA scientist

    Played an instrumental role in the design and development of the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) parachute.
  • Dr. Cruzado, Waded first Hispanic president of Montana State University
  • de Hostos, Eugenio María Educator

    In Peru, Hostos helped to develop that country's educational system and spoke against the harsh treatment given to the Chinese who lived there. He stayed in Chile from 1870 to 1873. During his stay there, he taught at the University of Chile and gave a speech titled "The Scientific Education of Women." He proposed in his speech that governments permit women in their colleges. Soon after, Chile allowed women to enter its college educational system. (see also 'Politicians and Authors)
  • Dr. Eaton, Alfonso Mechanical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist

    First Puerto Rican to work for NASA.
  • Falcón, Angelo Political scientist

    Author of "Atlas of Stateside Puerto Ricans" (2004) and co-editor of the book, "Boricuas in Gotham: Puerto Ricans in the Making of Modern New York City" (2004).
  • Dr. Ferrer Canales, José Educator, writer and activist.
  • Dr. Figueroa, Enectalí Astronaut applicant and astrophysicist in NASAmarker

    Figueroa pioneered the development of position-sensitive detectors.
  • Dr. Figueroa, Orlando Mechanical engineer

    Director of Mars Exploration in NASA.
  • Dr. Figueroa-Viñas, Adolfo Astrophysicist at NASAmarker

    Figueroa-Viñas is the first Puerto Rican astrophysicist at NASA working in solar plasma physics.     As a senior research scientist he is involved in many NASA missions such as Wind, SOHO, Cluster and MMS projects in which he is the author and co-author of numerous scientific papers in his field.
  • Dr. García, Joxel

    First Puerto Rican Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and an Admiral in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
  • Dr. García Padilla, Antonio

    President, UPR, (2001-2009), former Dean of UPR Law School.
  • Dr. González, Sixto Scientist

    First Puerto Rican Director of the Arecibo Observatorymarker the world's largest single dish radio telescope.
  • Gonzalez-Sanabria, Olga D. NASA engineer

    Is the highest ranking Hispanic at NASA Glenn Research Center and a member of the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame.
  • Dr. González Vale, Luis

    Current Official Historian of Puerto Rico.
  • Dr. Goyal, Megh R. Professor/Historian/Scientist

    Father of Irrigation Engineering in Puerto Rican, Professor in Agricultural & Biomedical Engineering University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguezmarker
  • Hernández-Pellerano, Amri NASA engineer

    Hernández-Pellerano designs, builds and tests the electronics that will regulate the solar array power in order to charge the spacecraft battery and distribute power to the different loads or users inside various spacecraft at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
  • Dr. Lopez, Ramon E. Physicist Dr. Lopez, a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Texas at Arlington, is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and recipient of the 2002 Nicholson Medal for Humanitarian Service. He is the co-author of a book on space weather entitled "Storms from the Sun"
  • Hortas, Lucas G. Aerospace engineer, aerospace technologist

    Hortas is the author and or co-author of over 35 technical papers in the areas of system identification, vibration control and isolation, optimal control design and implementation, optimal actuator/sensor placement, model testing, and experimental verification of control methodologies
  • Liceaga, Carlos A. Electronic engineer, aerospace technologist

    Liceaga leads the development of proposal guidelines; and the technical, management, and cost evaluation of the proposals For the Explorer Program.
  • Dr. Lluberas, Gerónimo Physician, writer, educator, medical missionary
  • Martínez, Debbie Computer engineer, aero-space technologist

    Martinez is the "Flight Systems and Software Branch" software manager for the new Cockpit Motion Facility at NASA Langley Research Center.
  • Martínez, Lissette Electronic engineer, rocket scientist

    Martinez is the lead electrical engineer for the Space Experiment Module program at the Wallops Flight Facility located in Virginia which is part of NASA's Goddard Flight Facility.
  • Dr. Meléndez, Concha Educator, writer poet.
  • Méndez, Ana G. Educator

    Founder of the Ana G. Mendez University System.
  • Dr. Mignucci, Antonio

    Marine Biologist and oceanographer. Founder of the Red Caribeña de Varamientos.
  • Dr.Muñiz, Edwin Ph.D., M.D., Ed. D.,

    The first person of Hispanic heritage to be named Aerospace Physiologist in the United States Air Force and NASAmarker.(See also 'Military)
  • Dr. Ortiz Longo, Carlos Mechanical engineer

    Chief of Crew Health Care Systems and Exercise Countermeasures in NASA.
  • Dr. Pantoja, Antonia Educator

    Founder of "ASPIRA" was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  • Dr. Ramos, Ángel Educator

    Superintendent of the Sequoia Schools for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Ramos is one of the few deaf Hispanics to earn a doctorate from Gallaudet University
  • Rev. Ramos Silva, Peter Ph.D., educator

    Founded, The Christian University (La Universidad Cristiana)
  • Reaves, Mercedes Research engineer and scientist

    Reaves is responsible for the design of a viable full-scale solar sail and the development and testing of a scale model solar sail at NASA Langley Research Center.
  • Rivera, Ron Inventor and workshop organizer

    Invented life-saving water filters based on pottery.
  • Dr.Rivero, Juan A. Educator

    Founded the Dr. Juan A.marker     Rivero Zoomarker in Mayagüez, has discovered numerous animal species and has written several books.
  • Dr. Rodón-Naveira, Miriam Ph.D., Puerto Rican NASA scientist

    Rodón-Naveira was the first Hispanic woman to hold the Deputy Directorship for the Environmental Sciences Division within the National Exposure Research Laboratory.
  • Rodríguez, Miguel, mechanical engineer,

    Chief of the Integration Office of the Cape Canaveral Spaceport Management Office.
  • Dr. Rodríguez, Pedro Inventor, Mechanical Engineer

    Rodríguez is the director of a test laboratory at NASA. He invented a portable, battery-operated lift seat for people suffering from knee arthritis.
  • Dr. Rodríguez Vargas, Fernando E., Dentist, scientist

    Rodríguez Vargas discovered the bacteria which causes dental cavity (See also: 'Military).
  • Román, Monserrate Scientist, microbiologist

    Román helped build the International Space Station.
  • Roque, Ana Educator and suffragist

    Roque was one of the founders of the University of Puerto Rico.
  • Dr. Ruaño, Gualberto biotechnology pioneer and founder of Genomas, Inc.

    Ruaño is a pioneer in the field of personalized medicine and the inventor of molecular diagnostic systems, Coupled Amplification and Sequencing (CAS) System (U.S. patent 5,427,911), used worldwide for the management of viral diseases. Ruaño is President and Founder of Genomas, a genetics-related company and now the bio-tech anchor of Hartford Hospital’s Genetic Research Center; he also serves as Director of genetics research at the Center.
  • Dr. Santiago, Carlos E.

    Economist and Educator. Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
  • Rev. Santiago, Noel Ph.D.,

    Founded, Christian Centers Apostolic Ministry (Ministerio Apostólico Centros Cristiano).
  • Dr. Santiago Delpin, Eduardo Surgeon

    Santiago Delpin wrote the first book in Spanish about organ transplant.
  • Segarra, Ninfa

    President of the New York City Board of Education 2000-2002.
  • Dr. Soto Toro, Félix Electrical engineer, astronaut applicant

    Soto Toror developed the Advanced Payload Transfer Measurement System (ASPTMS)(Electronic 3D measuring system).
  • Dr. Stahl, Agustín Botanist

    Stahl is considered to be Puerto Rico's first renowned scientist, conducted investigations and experiments in the fields of botany, ethnology and zoology.
  • Tangüis, Fermín Businessman, agriculturist and scientist

    Tangüis developed the Tanguis cotton in Peru and saved that nation's cotton industry.
  • Vientos Gaston, Nilita Educator

    Vientos Gaston was the first female lawyer to work for the Department of Justice of Puerto Rico. She defended the use of the Spanish language in the courts of Puerto Rico, before the Supreme Court, and won


Governors

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have served as Governors or First Ladies of the island. All future additions to this section must be placed chronologically in the appropriate century and alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.

Pre-20th Century

20th Century

21st Century

First Spouses of Puerto Rico



Journalists

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as Journalists. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.

Judges and law enforcement

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers in the fields of Law Enforcement or as Judges. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.
  • Andreu García, Jose, PR Chief Justice

    Former PR Chief Justice and sports official.
  • Cabranes, Jose, Circuit Judge

    First Puerto Rican to serve as a federal judge in the continental United States, mentioned as possible Associate Justice.
  • Evans, Faith, U.S. Marshal

    Hawaiian-Puerto Rican, first woman to be named U.S. Marshal.
  • Gelpí, Gustavo, U.S. District Judge

    Youngest United States District Judge (2006-present).
  • González Malavé, Alejandro, Undercover police officer

    controversial undercover police officer.
  • Grajales, Albert, SIB Deputy Director

    Former SIB deputy director and Hall of Fame Martial Arts Instructor.
  • Hernández Denton, Federico, Chief Justice of the Puerto Rico Supreme Court

    Puerto Rico's first Consumer Affairs Secretary, current Chief Justice of the Puerto Rico Supreme Courtmarker.
  • Irizarry, Dora, Federal District Judge
    First female Hispanic state judge in New York.
  • Jimenez, Felix, Drug Enforcement Administration

    First Puerto Rican to make it to the rank of Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
  • Kolthoff-Caraballo, Erick, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico

    Is the first Puerto Rican of African descent to be named Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico
  • Marrero, Victor, Circuit Judge
  • Meléndez-Pérez, José, INS officer

    INS Officer who was named in 9/11 Commission Report; denied entry to terrorist in August 2001.
  • Mercado, Julio F., Deputy Administrator (DA) of the Drug Enforcement Administration

    First Puerto Rican to achieve the position of Deputy Administrator (DA) of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on March 2000. This is the second highest position in the DEA and it is also a U.S. Presidential Appointment. Prior of becoming the DA, he was the Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Office.
  • Rivera-Soto, Roberto, New Jersey State Supreme Court Justice

    First Puerto Rican and Latino New Jersey State Supreme Court Justice.
  • Romano, Benito,United States Attorney in New York

    First Puerto Rican to hold the United States Attorney's post in New York on an interim basis.
  • Ruiz Nazario, Clemente, U.S. Federal Judge of Puerto Rico

    First Puerto Rican U.S. Federal Judge of Puerto Rico.
  • Ruiz, Vanessa, Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals

    Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, the highest court for the District of Columbiamarker.
  • Sánchez, Joe, Former New York City police officer

    Sánchez is a highly decorated former New York City police officer and author whose books give an insight as to the corruption within the department."
  • Snyder, Aaron Cecil, Chief Justice and U.S. Attorney in Puerto Rico

    Controversial Chief Justice and U.S. Attorney in Puerto Rico.
  • Sotomayor, Sonia, U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice

    First Puerto Rican woman to serve as a U.S. Circuit Court judge and to be nominated and confirmed as U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice
  • Toledo, Pedro, Puerto Rico Police Superintendent

    Retired FBImarker senior agent and longest-serving state police superintendent.
  • Torruella, Juan R., Circuit Judge

    First Puerto Rican to serve as Chief Judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
  • Trías Monge, José, Chief Justice

    Former Chief Justice, Attorney General of Puerto Rico and author.
  • Vargas, Carmen Consuelo, Puerto Rican Federal District Judge

    First female Puerto Rican federal district judge and Chief Judge.
  • Vidal Santaella, Irma, New York Supreme Court

    First Puerto Rican woman admitted to the New York State Bar and first Puerto Rican woman to be elected to the New York Supreme Court.


Military

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have served as in the Military. All future additions to this section must provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.

In order to avoid any confusion, the names in the military section have been placed in alphabetical order by surname and not by rank, plus the list has been divided by the century in which the person became notable. In the case that a person has two surnames, the first (paternal) surname will be used as the base for placement.

17th century
  • de Amezquita, Juan, Captain, Puerto Rican Militia

    Defeated Captain Balduino Enrico (Boudewijn Hendricksz), who in 1625 was ordered by the Dutchmarker to capture Puerto Rico.
18th century
  • de los Reyes Correa, Antonio, Captain, Spanish Army

    Puerto Rican hero who defended the town Arecibo in 1702 from an invasion by defeating the British. He was awarded "La Medalla de Oro de la Real Efigie" (The Gold Medal of the Royal Image), by King Philip V of Spain and given the title of "Captain of Infantry"
  • Diaz, Jose and Francisco, Sergeants, Puerto Rican militia

    The Diaz were cousins in the Toa Baja Militia who helped defeat Sir Ralph Abercromby and defend Puerto Rico from a British invasion in 1797.
  • Henríquez, Miguel, Captain, Spanish Navy

    In 1713, Henríquez defeated the British in Vieques and was awarded the La Medalla de Oro de la Real Efigie (The Gold Medal of the Royal Effigy).
19th century
  • Alonso Zayas, Juan, 2nd Lieutenant, Spanish Army

    Alonso Zayas was the commander of the 2nd Expeditionary Battalion of the Spanish Army stationed in Balermarker which fought in the Siege of Baler in the Philippinesmarker.
  • Gonzalo Marín, Francisco, Lieutenant, Cuban Liberation Army

    Gonzalo Marin is considered by many as the designer of the Puerto Rican Flag was a poet and journalist who fought alongside José Martí for Cuba's independence.
  • Padial, Luis, Brigadier General, Spanish Army

    In 1863, Padial's battalion was deployed with the intention of "squashing" a pro-independence rebellion in the Dominican Republicmarker in which he was wounded.     Padial played an essential role in the abolishment of slavery in Puerto Rico.
  • Power y Giralt, Ramón, Captain, Spanish Navy

    Power y Giralt was a distinguished naval officier who during the years of 1808-1809 led the defense of the Spanish Colony of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) against an invasion from Napoleon's French forces by enforcing a blockade in support of Spanish ground troops.
  • Rivero Méndez, Ángel Captain, Spanish Army

    Rivero Méndez fired the first shot against the United States in the Spanish-American War in Puerto Rico. Rivero Mendez later invented the "Kola Champagne", a soft drink .
  • Rius Rivera, Juan, Commander-in-Chief of the Cuban Liberation Army.

    Ruis Rivera fought in "El Grito de Lares" under the command of Mathias Brugman, in Cuba's Ten Years' War (1868-1878) against Spain under the command of General Maximo Gomez and became the General of the Cuban Liberation Army of the West upon the death of General Antonio Maceo.
  • Rojas, Manuel, Commander in Chief of the Puerto Rican Liberation Army

    On September 28, 1868, Manuel Rojas led his about 800 men and women and took the town of Lares in a revolt against Spanish rule in what is known as the Grito de Lares.
  • Semidei Rodriguez, Jose, Brigadier General, Cuban Liberation Army.
    Semidei Rodriguez fought in Cuba's Ten Years' War (1868-1878) and after Cuba gained it's independence he continued to serve in that country as diplomat.
  • Valero de Bernabe, Antonio, Brigadier General Latin American revolutions

    Valero de Bernabe fought against the forces of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Siege of Saragossa. He joined the Mexican Revolutionary Army headed by Agustín de Iturbideand was named Chief of Staff. He successfully fought for Mexico's independence from Spain. Later he fought alongside Simón Bolívar and helped liberate South America from Spanish Colonial rule. Bernabe is known as the "Puerto Rican Liberator"
20th century
  • Acosta-Rosario, Humberto, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army

    Acosta-Rosario was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry (Mechanized); 25th Infantry Division, United States Army who is currently the only Puerto Rican MIA whose body has never been recovered.
  • Aponte, Ricardo, Brigadier General, U.S. Air Force

    Aponte is the former Director of the Innovation and Experimentation Directorate, United States Southern Command, the first Puerto Rican to hold said position.
  • Arenas Gaspar, Felix, Captain, Spanish Army

    Arenas Gapar was posthumously awarded the Cruz Laureada de San Fernando (Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand - Spain's version of the Medal of Honor) for his actions in the Rif War.
  • Arroyo, Domingo Jr., Private First Class, USMC

    Arroyo was the first Puerto Rican and American serviceman to be killed in Operation Restore Hope during the Somalian Civil War.
  • Benítez, Rafael Celestino, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

    Benítez was a highly decorated submarine commander who led the rescue effort of the crew members of the USS Cochinomarker which was involved in the first American undersea spy mission of the Cold War.
  • Betances Ramírez, Carlos, Colonel, U.S. Army

    Betances Ramírez was the first Puerto Rican to command a battalion in the Korean War. In 1952, he assumed the command of the 2nd Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment.
  • Cabanillas, José M., Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

    In World War II Cabanillas was Executive Officer of the USS Texas and participated in the invasions of Africa and Normandy (D-Day).
  • Carmona, Richard M.D., Vice Admiral, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps

    Carmona served as the 17th Surgeon General of the United States under President George W. Bush.
  • Cartagena, Modesto, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army

    Cartagena is the most decorated Hispanic in history. Cartagena distinguished himself in combat during the Korean War as a member of Puerto Rico's 65th Infantry and is being considered for the Medal of Honor.
  • Contreras-Bozak, Carmen, Tech4, U.S. Women's Army Corps
    Contreras-Bozak was the first Hispanic to serve in the U.S.

    Women's Army Corps.

    She served as an interpreter and in numerous administrative positions during World War II.
  • Cordero Dávila, Juan César, Major General, U.S. Army

    Cordero Dávila was the commanding officer of the 65th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War, thus becoming one of the highest ranking ethnic officers in the Army.
  • Correa, Encarnacion, Sergeant, U.S. Army

    Correa was the person who fired the first shot fired in World War I on behalf of the United States, when on March 21, 1915, under the orders of then-Lieutenant Teofilo Marxuach, he manned a machine gun and opened fire on the "Odenwald" an armed German supply ship trying to force its way out of the San Juan Bay.
  • Cubero, Rubén A., Brigadier General U.S. Air Force

    Cubero was a highly decorated member of the United States Air Force who in 1991, became the first Hispanic graduate of the United States Air Force Academy to be named Dean of the Faculty of the academy.
  • Del Valle, Pedro, Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps

    Del Valle was the first Hispanic three-star Marine general. His military career included service in World War I, Haitimarker and Nicaraguamarker during the so-called Banana Wars of the 1920s, and in the seizure of Guadalcanalmarker and later as Commanding General of the U.S. 1st Marine Division during World War ll played an instrumental role in the defeat of the Japanese forces in Okinawamarker.
  • Delgado Delgado, Carmelo, Lieutenant, Abraham Lincoln International Brigade

    Delgado was the first Puerto Rican and one of the first U. S. citizens to fight and to die in the Spanish Civil War against General Francisco Franco and the Spanish Nationalists.
  • Diaz, Alberto Jr. Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

    Diaz is the first Hispanic to become the Director of the San Diego Naval Medical District.
  • Dumler, Carmen, 2nd Lieutenant, U.S. Women's Army Corps

    Dumler was one of the first Puerto Rican women Army officers. In 1944, she was sworn in as a 2nd Lieutenant and assigned to the 161st General Hospital in San Juan.
  • Esteves,Luis R., Major General, U.S. Army

    In 1915, Esteves became the first Puerto Rican and Hispanic to graduate from the United States Military Academymarker.     Esteves also organized the Puerto Rican National Guard.
  • Felices, Salvador E., Major General, U.S. Air Force

    Felices was the first Puerto Rican general in the U.S. Air Force. In 1953, Felices flew in 19 combat missions over North Korea, during the Korean War. In 1957, he participated in a historic project that was given to Fifteenth Air Force by the Strategic Air Command headquarters known as "Operation Power-Flite". Operation Power-Flite was the first around the world flight by an all-jet aircraft.
  • Franco, Rose, CWO3, USMC

    Franco was the first Hispanic woman Chief Warrant Officer in the Marine Corps. In 1965, Franco was named Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy, Paul Henry Nitze by the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
  • García, Edmund Ernest, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

    During World War II García was commander of the Destroyer USS Sloat and saw action in the invasions of Africa, Sicily, and France.
  • García, Fernando Luis, Private First Class, USMC

    Garcia was the first Puerto Rican awarded the Medal of Honor. He was posthumously awarded the medal for his actions against enemy aggressor forces in the Korea War on September 5, 1952.
  • Garcia Cubero, Linda, Captain, United States Air Force

    In 1980, Garcia Cubero became the first Hispanic woman graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and the first to graduate from an American Military Academy.
  • Gilormini, Mihiel "Mike", Brigadier General, USAF

    World War II hero, recipient of 5 Distinguished Flying Cross's and founder of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard. Gilormini had previously flown for the Royal Canadian Air Force(1941) and the Royal Air Force (1941 - 1942).
  • Goded Llopis, Manuel, General, Spanish Army

    Goded Llopis was a high ranking Puerto Rican in the Spanish Army who was one of the first generales to join Spanish General Francisco Franco, in the revolt against the Spanish Republican government (also known as Spanish loyalists) in what is known as the Spanish Civil War. Previously, Goded Llopis had distinguished himself in the Battle of Alhucemas of the Rif War.
  • Hernández, Diego E., Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy

    Hernández was the first Hispanic to be named Vice Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Commandmarker.     He flew two combat tours in Vietnam during the Vietnam War and in 1980, took command of the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVA/CV-67). The Kennedy is one of two non-nuclear aircraft carriers still on active duty with the United States Navy.
  • Hernández, Zak, Sergeant, U.S. Army

    Hernández was killed in Panamamarker on the eve of President George H.     W. Bush's visit. His accused murderer, Pedro Miguel González Pinzón, was acquitted and later elected President of Panamá's National Congress, an event which has generated protests from the governments of the United States and Puerto Rico.
  • Llenza, Orlando, Major General, U.S. Air Force

    Llenza is the second Puerto Rican to reach the rank of Major General (two-star General) in the United States Air Force. He was the Adjutant General of the Puerto Rico National Guard.
  • Lozada, Carlos, Private First Class, U.S. Army

    Lozada was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 20, 1967, at Dak Tomarker in the Republic of Vietnam.
  • Maldonado, Antonio, Brigadier General, U.S.Air Force

    In 1965, Maldonado became the youngest person to pilot a B-52 aircraft. His active participation in the Vietnam War included 183 air combat missions.
  • Martinez, Joseph R., Private First Class, U.S. Army

    Martinez destroyed a German Infantry unit and tank in Tuniz by providing heavy artillery fire, saving his platoon from being attacked in the process. He received the Distinguished Service Cross from General George S. Patton, becoming the first Puerto Rican recipient of said military decoration.
  • Martinez Lopez, Lester, MD, MPH, Major General, U.S. Army

    Martinez Lopez was first Hispanic to head the Army Medical and Research Command.
  • Marxuach, Gilberto Jose, Colonel, U.S. Army

    Marxuach, the son of Teofilo Marxuach, is "The Father of the San Juan Civil Defense"
  • Marxuach, Teófilo, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army

    Marxuach ordered the first shot fired in World War I on behalf of the United States on an armed German supply ship trying to force its way out of the San Juan Bay.
  • Mayer, George E., Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

    Mayer was the first Hispanic Commander of the Naval Safety Center. He led an international naval exercise known as Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2003 from his flagship, the USS Vella Gulf (CG-72). It was the first time in the 31 year history of BALTOPS that the exercise included combined ground troops from Russia, Poland, Denmark and the United States.
  • Méndez, Ángel Sergeant, United States Marine Corps

    Mendez was awarded the Navy Cross in Vietnam and is being considered for the Medal of Honor. He saved the life of his Lieutenant - Ronald D. Castille, who went on to become the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
  • Mendez, Enrique Jr., Major General, U.S. Army

    Mendez was the first Puerto Rican to assume the positions of Army Deputy Surgeon General, Commander of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.
  • Miller, Virgil R., Colonel, U.S. Army

    Miller was the Regimental Commander of the 442d Regimental Combat Team (RCT), a unit which was composed of "Nisei" (second generation Americans of Japanese descent), during World War II. He led the 442nd in its rescue of the Lost Texas Battalion of the 36th Infantry Division, in the forests of the Vosges Mountains in northeastern France.
  • Muñiz, Edwin, Ph.D., M.D., Ed. D., Captain, United States Air Force

    Muñiz was the first person of Hispanic heritage to be named Aerospace Physiologist in the United States Air Force and NASAmarker.
  • Navas, William A. Jr., Major General, U.S. Army

    Navas is the first Puerto Rican named Assistant Secretary of the Navy. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Navas was nominated in 2001 by President George W. Bush to serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs).
  • Negroni, Héctor Andrés, Colonel, U.S. Air Force

    Negroni was the first Puerto Rican graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. A Veteran of the Vietnam War, Negroni was awarded the Aeronautical Merit Cross, Spains highest Air Force peacetime award for his contributions to the successful implementation of the United States-Spain Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.
  • Nido, Alberto A., Brigadier General, U.S. Air Force

    Nido was a World War II hero who co-founded the Puerto Rico Air National Guard and served as it's commander for many years.
  • Núñez-Juarez, Ramón, Private First Class, USMC

    Núñez-Juarez was listed as Missing in Action during the Korean War and posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, second highest medal after the Medal of Honor, that can be awarded by the Department of the Navy. He was the only Puerto Rican member of the United States Marine Corps whose remains have never been recovered and who was listed as Missing in Action during the Korean War.
  • Otero Barreto, Jorge, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army

    Otero Barreto was the most decorated soldier in the Vietnam War (38 decorations) - 3 Silver Star Medals, 5 Bronze Star Medals with Valor, 5 Purple Heart Medals and 5 Air Medals..
  • Portela, Jose M., Brigadier General U. S. Air Force

    Portela served in the position of Assistant Adjutant General for Air while also serving as commander of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard. In 1972, Portela became the youngest C-141 Starlifter aircraft commander and captain at age 22. Portela is also the only reservist ever to serve as director of mobility forces for Bosnia.
  • Ramírez de Arellano, Marion Frederic, Captain, U.S. Navy

    Ramírez de Arellano was the first Hispanic submarine commander. He was awarded two Silver Stars and a Bronze Star for his actions against the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II.
  • Ramos, Antonio J., Brigadier General, U.S. Air Force

    Ramos was the first Hispanic to serve as commander, Air Force Security Assistance Center, Air Force Materiel Command, and dual-hatted as Assistant to the Commander for International Affairs, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command.
  • Ramos Calero, Agustín, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army

    With 22 military decorations Ramos Calero was the most decorated soldier in all of the United States during World War II.
  • Ribas-Dominicci, Fernando Luis, Major, U.S. Air Force

    Ribas-Dominicci was one of the pilots who participated in the Libyan air raid as member of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing. His F-111F was shot down in action over the disputed Gulf of Sidra off the Libyan coast. Ribas-Dominicci and his weapons systems officer, Capt. Paul Lorence, were the only U.S. casualties of Operation El Dorado Canyon.
  • Riefkohl, Frederick Lois, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

    Riefkohl was the first Puerto Rican to graduate from the United States Naval Academy and the first to be awarded the Navy Cross for his actions in World War I.
  • Riefkohl, Rudolph W., Colonel, U.S. Army

    Riefkohl played an instrumental role in helping the people of Polandmarker overcome the 1919 typhus epidemic.
  • Rigau Carrera, Felix, Second Lieutenant, U.S.M.C.

    Rigau Carrera was the first Puerto Rican pilot and the first Hispanic fighter pilot in the United States Marine Corps. Rigau Carrera was also the first Puerto Rican parachutist and the first pilot to fly on air mail carrying duties in Puerto Rico.
  • Rivera, Manuel Jr., Captain, USMC

    Rivera was the first Puerto Rican and U.S. servicemen to die in Operation Desert Shield.
  • Rivera, Pedro N., M.D., Brigadier General, U.S. Air Force

    In 1994, Rivera became the first Hispanic to be named medical commander in the Air Force. He was responsible for the provision of health of health care to more than 50,000 patients.
  • Rivero, Horacio, Admiral, U.S. Navy

    In 1964, Rivero became the first Puerto Rican and second Hispanic four-star admiral. Rivero participated in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and in 1962, Admiral Rivero was the commander of the American fleet sent by President John F. Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis to set up a quarantine (blockade) of the Soviet ships in an effort to stop the Cold War from escalating into World War III.
  • Rodríguez, Pedro, Master Sergeant, U.S. Army

    Rodriguez was a member of Puerto Rico's 65th Infantry. He earned two Silver Stars within a seven day period during the Korean War..
  • Rodríguez Balinas, Antonio, Brigadier General, U.S. Army

    Rodríguez Balinas was the first commander of the Office of the First U.S. Army Deputy Command. During the Korean War he fought with Puerto Rico's 65th Infantry Regiment and was awarded the Silver Star Medal
  • Rodríguez Vargas, Fernando E., DDS, Major, U.S. Army

    Rodríguez Vargas was an odontologist (dentist), scientist and a Major in the U.S. Army who in 1921 discovered the bacteria which causes dental caries.
  • Rubio, Eurípides, Captain, U.S. Army

    Rubio was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Tay Ninh Provincemarker in the Republic of Vietnam on November 8, 1966.
  • Santiago, José Luis, Sergeant Major, USMC

    Santiago has the distinction of being the 2nd Battalion 9th Marines first Hispanic Sergeant Major and its first Sergeant Major since its reactivation on July 13, 2007.
  • Santiago-Colón, Héctor, Sp4c, U.S. Army

    In 1968, Santiago-Colón was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Quang Tri Provincemarker, Vietnam as member of Company B of the 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division.
  • Segarra, Antulio, Colonel, U.S. Army

    In 1943, Segarra became the first Puerto Rican Regular Army officer to command a Regular Army Regiment when he assumed the command of Puerto Rico's 65th Infantry Regiment which at the time was conducting security missions in the jungles of Panamamarker.
  • Segarra, Frankie, Master Gunnery Sergeant, USMC

    Segarra is the first Puerto Rican to reach the grade of Master Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps within his MOS.
  • Toro, Rafel, Private, USMC

    Toro was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his "extraordinary heroism in battle" while fighting in Nicaragua during the second Nicaragua campaign in 1927.
  • Versace, Humbert Roque, Captain, U.S. Army

    In 2002, Versace was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions while a prisoner of war (POW) during the Vietnam War. He was the first member of the U.S. Army to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions performed in Southeast Asia while in captivity. Remarks by the President Bush at the Presentation of the Medal of Honor in the East Room of the White House.
  • Villaronga, Raúl G., Colonel, U.S. Army

    Villaronga was the first Puerto Rican to be elected as Mayor of a Texas city (Killeen).
21st century

Politicians

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this list's header, who have led notable careers in the field of politics. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and within the and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.

19th Century

20th Century

21st Century

Religion

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who are notable religious leaders. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and by century and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.

Pre-20th century

20th century

21st century

Sports

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as sportspersons . All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.

A.

B. C. D. E. F. G. H. J.
  • Jackson, Reggie

    baseball player, member of Baseball Hall of Fame (Puerto Rican father).
K. L. M. N. O. P. Q.
  • Quintana, Carlos

    professional boxer, former World Boxing Organization's welterweight champion.
R. S.
  • Sagardia, Natasha a.k.a. Star of the International Surfing Association! - Bodyboarder

    Sagardia entered the surfing history books, becoming the first Puerto Rican in history to win a gold medal at the ISA World Surfing Games.
  • Sánchez, Alex

    boxer/ former champion.
  • Santiago, Daniel

    former NBA basketball player
  • Santiago, O.J.

    football player.
  • Serrano, Samuel

    boxer/ former world champion.
  • Silvestry, Brandon

    professional wrestler.
  • Solano, William

    martial artist, member of the International Karate Hall of Fame.


T. V. W.

Taínos

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who were notable Taínos or Taínas. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.

Visual Artists

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as Visual Artists . All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.

Miscellaneous

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, of notable people that do not qualify to be placed in any of the above sections. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.

See also



References

External links




Embed code:






Got something to say? Make a comment.
Your name
Your email address
Message
Please enter the solution to case below
12+12=