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Playa Giron: Heroism and Victory of Cuban Forces.

By Tomas Armenteros Crespo  
CUBA, April 4, 2011.- The Cuban people, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces as part of them, were the protagonists of a very important chapter of national history 50 years ago, now being commemorated: the 1961 Playa Giron victory.

  Under the guidance of the leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro, in less than 72 hours the Cuban people defeated the attack of a U.S. government-financed and organized mercenary invasion by Brigade 2506.

That invasion, clearly promoted by the administration of Democratic President John F. Kennedy, following the footsteps of Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower, was aimed at destroying the revolutionary process that began with the victory of January 1, 1959.

The enemies landed on April 17, 1961 in Cochinos Bay, known as the Bay of Pigs in U.S. political circles, after the invaders bombed Cuban airports two days earlier.

The plan was to take over Playa Giron, in the western province of Matanzas, march on the city and set up a so-called government that would be recognized by the United States.

After intense battle, Brigade 2506 surrendered on the afternoon of April 19, 1961, marking the victory of the Cuban people and their Revolutionary Armed Forces, which unerringly applied the rules of war, as many historians see it.

The precise and opportune performance of the small, aged Cuban air force and the initial defense put up by militia members, which frustrated the enemy plans and facilitated the mobilization of regular troops, were two of the highlights of the Cuban victory.

More than 150 revolutionary and civilian combatants lost their lives in battle, but the forces commanded by Fidel Castro sank two transport ships, barges and landing boats, and shot down eight B-26 bombers.

The Playa Giron victory strengthened the country politically and in terms of military strategy, and readied it to face the so-called Missile Crisis in October 1962; the fight against counterrevolutionary bands within the country, and its unforgettable internationalist missions in Africa.

Fidel Castro said this battle defined the alternative between the past and the future, reaction or progress, betrayal or loyalty to principles, capitalism or socialism, imperialist domination or liberation. (Cubaminrex-Prensa Latina)

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