René Ramos Latour

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A photo of René Ramos Latour prior to the Cuban Revolution.

René Ramos Latour (May 12, 1932 in Antilla, Cuba – 30 July 1958) was a commander under Fidel Castro during the Cuban Revolution. He was killed in combat against Fulgencio Batista at the Battle of Las Mercedes.^[1]

During his childhood his parents moved to Santiago , where he began his studies. Finally he studied at the Professional School of Commerce of Santiago. After obtaining the title of accountant, in 1953 he began working for the American Nicaro Nickel Processing Company, This company was located in the province of Holguín and was dedicated to the production of nickel where most of its workers were local.

His revolutionary concerns led him to military and the organizations Acción Libertadora, Acción Revolucionaria Oriental (ARO) National Revolutionary Action (ANR), the latter two founded and directed by Frank País. When the 26 July Movement (M-26-7) was formed, René joined their ranks. Its military activity took place in the areas of Cueto, Antilla, Banes and Mayarí where he demonstrated his skills as an organizer. For his work, he was appointed Chief of Action in those northern territories of the Oriente Province.

He joined the organization M-26-7 in the north of Oriente, together with Rafael Orejón Forment, also a worker at the Nicaro plant who was later killed during the so-called Bloody Easter, for supporting the Landing of Granma. René was given the duty of carrying out military actions in Holguin territory, which he could not do because he did not receive the weapons.

At the end of 1956, together with other companions, he planned the attack on the Preston headquarters. operation that did not crystallize because of an accusation. Later, René joined the fight in the eastern capital and he, with the rank of lieutenant, was part of the first group sent to the Sierra Maestra.

Back in Santiago, sent by Commander Fidel Castro, leader of the Revolution, gave Frank País the order to form a second guerrilla front, with the rank of commander, but for unforeseen reasons this mission could not be fulfilled, Frank put him as his substitute.

After Frank ‘death, René replaced him as head of action and sabotage of the 26 July Movement.  René toured the country developing an intense conspiracy work. Upon his return to Santiago he participated in the April 1958 strike and led the attack on the Boniato barracks.  Shortly after, he was badly wounded  by the regime's followers, he joined the Sierra Maestra as a combatant.

He received directly from Fidel Castro the rank of commander and the leadership of Column No. 10 , which at this position he fought in Santo Domingo. In July 1958 he set out to reinforce Captain Ramón Paz's troops. Together with him, Ramos participated in victorious actions like that of Providence, the place where Captain Paz was killed. The men who were in command of the fallen, They passed Daniel's headquarters and confronted Sánchez Mosquera's troops. He was killed in a combat that took place in the "El Jobal" farm on July 30, 1958.

Talking about ideology, he was the main opponent of Marxist ideas of Ernesto "Che" Guevara within the guerrilla movement.  On the death of Ramos, Guevara wrote: "Deep ideological divergences separated me from René Ramos and we were political enemies but he knew how to die doing his duty, on the front line.  Whoever dies like this is because he feels an inner desire that I denied him and that I rectify at this time".

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• René Ramos Latour