Mariana Grajales Women's Platoon
Military unit
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Mariana Grajales Women's Platoon (Spanish: El pelotón Mariana Grajales), or Las Marianas, was an all-female military platoon created by Fidel Castro, Celia Sánchez, and Haydée Santamaría during the 26th of July Movement on 4 September 1958, named after the Cuban icon Mariana Grajales Cuello who served in the Cuban War of Independence.[3][4][5]
| Mariana Grajales Women’s Platoon | |
|---|---|
| El pelotón Mariana Grajales | |
| Active | 4 September 1958 - 1 January 1959 |
| Disbanded | 1 January 1959 |
| Country | Cuba |
| Allegiance | 26th of July Movement |
| Size | 13 or 14 |
| Nickname | Las Marianas |
| Engagements | Battle of Cerro Pelado, Battle of Guisa[1][2] |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Isabel Rielo, Teté Puebla |
History
After a group of women led by Isabel Rielo pleaded with Fidel Castro to create a women's unit, Castro summoned the leaders of the rebel army for a debate on 3 September 1958. After seven hours of discussion, at about 1 a.m. Castro authorized the creation of the platoon.[6] Isabel Rielo was selected to lead the platoon as the result of a shooting test.[7]
It is estimated by several accounts that women only made up about 5% of the total rebel forces during the Cuban Revolution.[8][9] So the Mariana Grajales Platoon, which was composed of 13 young women, was a unique component of the revolutionary army.[10][11] The platoon was essential in the rebels' 28 September 1958 victory over the Batista forces at Cerro Pelado (near modern-day Bartolomé Masó) after a three-day battle.[11]
Members of the platoon used M1 carbines as their weapon of choice.[12]
Following victory in January 1959, the members of the platoon worked to build schools in the mountainous portion of eastern Cuba.[13]
On 4 September 1988, the 30th anniversary of the founding of the platoon, a commemorative event was held at the headquarters of the Women's Anti-Air Artillery Regiment.[14] In attendance were Vilma Espín, president of the Federation of Cuban Women, Nguyễn Thị Định, then-Vice President of Vietnam and member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and Corps General Julio Casas Regueiro of the Revolutionary Armed Forces.
Members
- Haydée Santamaría[15][16]
- Isabel Rielo Rodríguez (commanding officer)
- Teté Puebla (second-in-command)
- Olga Guevara Pérez
- Eva Palma Rodríguez
- Lilia Rielo Rodríguez
- Rita García Reyes
- Angelina Antolín Escalona
- Edemis Tamayo Núñez
- Norma Ferrer Benítez
- Flor Pérez Chávez
- Juana Peña Peña
- Orosia Soto Sardiña
- Ada Bella Acosta Pompa[17]
See also
- Dickey Chapelle, an American photojournalist who reported on the Cuban Revolution and observed the platoon from the rebels' side [18]
- Federation of Cuban Women