Suco: The First to Confront Mercenaries at Girón

Granma proudly recounts the heroic actions of Ramón González Suco, a young militia leader who stood bravely against mercenary forces during the 1961 invasion at Playa Larga. At just 22 years old, Suco and a handful of militiamen were the first to challenge the CIA-backed operation, embodying the spirit of 'Patria o Muerte' (Homeland or Death).

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¡Altoooo! —voceó Suco y se pegó al suelo.

Suco's account details the tense moments of spotting an approaching boat and his immediate orders to prepare the machine gun. Even in the face of uncertainty, his resolve was clear. When tracer bullets flew overhead, he fearlessly urged his comrade, 'Dale duro, Israel' ('Hit them hard, Israel'), a defiant cry that ignited the resistance.

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Dale duro, Israel. ¡Patria o Muerte!

This small group of five militiamen and three literacy workers, through their courageous stand, shattered the element of surprise for one of the largest and most costly CIA operations in Latin America. Though eventually outnumbered and captured after exhausting their ammunition, their initial resistance, which inflicted casualties on the enemy, was crucial in the eventual defeat of the invasion within 72 hours.

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Cuando se produjo el desembarco y después del desigual combate, la sensatez nos aconsejó a los cinco milicianos y tres alfabetizadores allí presentes, ocultarnos en uno de los edificios en construcción que había en Playa Larga, donde también estaban presentes algunos obreros de la obra y un grupo de guajiros de la zona.

From Granma's perspective, Suco's story is a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of ordinary Cubans who defended their revolution against foreign aggression. His lucid recollection at 87 years old, despite the physical trauma he endured—including being beaten and losing consciousness—underscores the enduring strength of his conviction. His actions at Playa Larga are a testament to the unwavering spirit of resistance that defines our nation.

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Recuerdo que yo caminaba entre grandes cajas, tenso sin ver a nadie cuando una sombra se me encimó, poniéndome en alerta. En ese instante, un golpe en la nuca me hizo sentir que se escapan los ojos de las órbitas. Luego, otros dos o tres fuertes golpes en la espalda me hicieron caer al suelo. Perdí la noción de todo y un sabor a sangre me invadió la boca. No veía y casi no podía respirar. Poco a poco fui volviendo, hasta sentir que me llevaban a rastras tomado por brazos y piernas.