Selections from

"Cuba: The Human Cost of Social Revolution:

The Black Book of Cuban Communism"

MANUSCRIPT / WORK-IN-PROGRESS

by Armando M. Lago, Ph.D. 

 

 

 

U.S. CITIZENS

 

 

The following information has been obtained as part of the investigation for

a book in progress.  Abundant sources have been used and cross-referenced

-existing lists, press reports, prison memoirs, personal testimonies and

others.  Further research as well as corroboration work is underway. 

 

 

BY ALPHABETICAL ORDER

 

I.  U.S. CITIZENS EXECUTED OR ASSASSINATED IN CUBA

 BY THE CASTRO REGIME

 

HOWARD FREDERICK ANDERSON.  19-04-61. U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH. AGE: 41. 

OCCUPATION: BUSINESS EXECUTIVE - OWNED SEVERAL GASOLINE SERVICE STATIONS, A

JEEP DISTRIBUTION AGENCY AND A MANUFACTURING PLANT. PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN

LEGION'S HAVANA CHAPTER AND AVID SPORTS FISHERMAN.   PLACE OF RESIDENCE: 

HAVANA.  MOVED TO CUBA IN 1947, WHERE HE MET HIS WIFE DOROTHY AND RAISED A

FAMILY OF FOUR CHILDREN (GARY, MARC, LEE AND BONNIE).  WAS ARRESTED IN MARCH

1961 AND CHARGED WITH BEING A C.I.A AGENT, OF BELONGING TO, AN ANTI-CASTRO

GROUP (ACCION CIVICA), SERVING AS CONTACT BETWEEN THE BAY OF PIGS INVADERS

AND THE ANTI-CASTRO CUBAN RESISTANCE, AND OF SUPPLYING ARMS TO GUERRILLAS FOR

THE GUERRILLA UPRISING.  DURING HIS TRIAL, WHICH WAS LABELED BY SWISS

DIPLOMATS IN ATTENDANCE AS A SHAM, HE WAS CONSTANTLY HARRASSED BY THE

PROSECUTION WITH CRIES OF "DEATH TO THE AMERICAN."  BEFORE HIS EXECUTION HE

WAS SAVAGELY TORTURED BY PRISON GUARDS PERERA AND SARGEANT SANGUILY AND HAD

HIS BLOOD EXTRACTED WITHOUT CONSENT.  HE WAS EXECUTED BY FIRING SQUAD ON

19-04-61 AT PRISON 5 1/2, LUIS LAZO, PINAR DEL RIO PROVINCE AND BURIED IN A

COMMON MASS GRAVE IN PINAR DEL RIO PROVINCE. IN 2001 HIS WIDOW, DOROTHY

ANDERSON CURRENTLY A POMPANO BEACH RESIDENT, AND FOUR CHILDREN, SUED THE

CUBAN GOVERNMENT IN U.S. FEDERAL COURT FOR DAMAGES.

SOURCES: UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY, 1993, YEAR 1961. BERUVIDES, CUBA Y

SUS MARTIRES, 1993 PAGE 88.  CLARK, CUBA: MITO Y REALIDAD, 1990, PAGE 158.

ENCINOSA, CUBA EN GUERRA, 1994, PAGES 95 & 287. TESTIMONY OF MIAMI HERALD

JOURNALIST BONNIE ANDERSON (DAUGHTER), EL NUEVO HERALD, 6 MARCH 1989, PAGE

2-C. ARIEL REMOS, DIARIO LAS AMERICAS, 11 NOVIEMBRE 1998, PAGE 10-A. CUBAN

AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994.

DIRECTORIO REVOLUCIONARIO ESTUDIANTIL, LA REPRESION EN CUBA, 1965, PAGE 24. 

WAQI-RADIO MAMBI, PAGE 36. ALEJANDRO GOMEZ-ESTRADA, LA BESTIA ROJA DE CUBA!, 

1990, PAGE 147. L. RUIZ, DIARIO DE UNA TRAICION: CUBA01961, 1972, PAGE 82.

DAVID GONZALEZ, "CUBA IS SUED FOR EXECUTION OF AMERICAN 40 YEARS AGO," THE

NEW YOK TIMES, 1 DECEMBER 2001, PAGE A-14. THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 3 OCTOBER

1997.  PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK TIMES.  DECEMBER 2001, PAGE A-12,

COLUMN 1.  

 

 

FREDERIC RICHARD CARTER. 08-82. U.S. CITIZEN.  PLACE OF RESIDENCE: MIRAMAR,

HAVANA.  ASSASSINATED WHILE UNDER ARREST AT STATE SECURITY HEADQUARTERS IN

HAVANA.

SOURCE: BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS MARTIRES, 1993, PAGE 100. BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SU

PRESIDIO POLITICO, 1994, PAGE 166. CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE

QUILT OF FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994.

 

 

ANDREW DEGRAUX (ALIAS "ANDY"). LAST SEEN 13-09-62, PRESUMABLY KILLED. AGE:

19.  U.S. CITIZEN. OCCUPATION: STUDENT OF AUTO MECHANICS AT "JOSE MENDOZA

GARCIA" TECHNOLOGICAL SCHOOL IN TRINIDAD, CUBA.  PLACE OF RESIDENCE:

TRINIDAD, LAS VILLAS PROVINCE, CUBA. ORGANIZER OF A STUDENT STRIKE IN LAS

VILLAS, HE HAD JOINED THE ANTI-CASTRO GUERILLAS IN THE ESCAMBRAY MOUNTAINS.

WAS WOUNDED IN COMBAT AND DISAPPEARED IN TRINIDAD. IS REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN

KILLED AT LA CAMPANA, LAS VILLAS, OR AT LA CABAÑA FORTRESS IN HAVANA.  

STATUS: MISSING PERSON. 

SOURCE: TESTIMONY OF MS. MARY LOUISE DEGRAUX ALONSO (SISTER), JANUARY, 1999.

 

 

MATTHEW EDWARD DUKE. 14-05-60. PRESUMED U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH.  KILLED BY

PRISON GUARD BRUTALITY AT LA CABAÑA FORTRESS IN HAVANA.   

SOURCE: BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS MARTIRES, 1993, PAGE 111. CUBAN AMERICAN

NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994.

 

   

ROBERT OTIS FULLER. 17-10-60. U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH.  PLACE OF RESIDENCE:

U.S.A.  LANDED IN NAVAS BAY, ORIENTE, WITH ARMENTINO FERIA IN OCTOBER OF 1960

TO START A GUERRILLA MOVEMENT. WAS CAPTURED AND SENTENCED TO DEATH BY A

REVOLUTIONARY TRIBUNAL. EXECUTED BY FIRING SQUAD AT THE SAN JUAN HILL

SHOOTING RANGE IN SANTIAGO DE CUBA, TOGETHER WITH THREE OTHER AMERICANS

(SALVARD, THOMPSON AND ZARBA). 

SOURCE:  RUIZ, DIARIO DE UNA TRAICION: CUBA-1960, 1970, PAGE 316. ENCINOSA,

ESCAMBRAY LA GUERRA OLVIDADA, 1989, PAGE 145. UNITED STATES FOREIGN CLAIMS

SETTLEMENT COMMISSION, DECISION CU-6199, AWARD TO JENNY M. FULLER ET AL.,

1972. BERUVIDES, 1993, PAGE 174. CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE

QUILT OF FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994. ARIEL REMOS, DIARIO LAS AMERICAS, 11

NOVEMBER 1998, PAGE 10-A.

 

 

ANDY GRANEY (ALIAS "EL AMERICANITO"). 01/62.  U.S. CITIZEN. EXECUTED BY

FIRING SQUAD IN SAN JUAN, ORIENTE PROVINCE.

SOURCE: BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS MARTIRES, 1993, PAGE 124. 

 

 

AUGUST K. MCNAIR.  10-04-61. U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH.  PLACE OF RESIDENCE:

U.S.A  RADIO-TELEGRAPH OPERATOR,  LANDED IN PINAR DEL RIO WITH MARCIAL BELLO

TO START AN ANTI-CASTRO GUERRILLA GROUP AND WAS CAPTURED.  EXECUTED BY FIRING

SQUAD IN PINAR DEL RIO.

SOURCE:  BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS MARTIRES, 1993, PAGES 139 AND 143. ENCINOSA,

CUBA EN GUERRA, 1994, PAGE 95. CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT

OF FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994. ARIEL REMOS, DIARIO LAS AMERICAS, 11

NOVEMBER 1998, PAGE 10-A. 

 

 

WILLIAM ALEXANDER MORGAN. 12-03-61. U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH.  FORMER

"COMANDANT" IN CASTRO'S REBEL ARMY.  PLACE OF RESIDENCE: HAVANA, CUBA. 

SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR TAKING PART IN AN ANTI-CASTRO CONSPIRACY, WAS EXECUTED

BY FIRING SQUAD IN LA CABAÑA FORTRESS IN HAVANA - RECEIVED MULTIPLE COUP DE

GRACE SHOTS.  AT HIS EXECUTION, MORGAN REFUSED TO KNEEL AND BEG FOR HIS LIFE.

HE WAS, THEN, SHOT IN THE KNEES. WHEN HE TOPPLED TO THE GROUND, THE PLATOON

COMMANDER TOLD HIM "SEE, WE MADE YOU KNEEL" AND PROCEEDED TO GIVE THE ORDER

TO FIRE.

SOURCE: FRANQUI, VIDA, AVENTURAS Y DESASTRES DE UN HOMBRE LLAMADO CASTRO,

1988, PAGE 346.  ANA LAZARA RODRIGUEZ, DIARY OF A SURVIVOR, 1995, PAGE 128.

CLARK, CUBA: MITO Y REALIDAD, 1990, PAGE 151. BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS MARTIRES,

1993, PAGE 149. VALLADARES, CONTRA TODA ESPERANZA, 1985, PAGE 27.  ARIEL

REMOS, DIARIO LAS AMERICAS, 11 NOVEMBER 1998, PAGE 10-A. CUBAN AMERICAN

NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994.

 

 

WILLIAM HORACE PATTEN-TABARES.  23-09-61.  AGE: 34.  U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH

(BORN IN CALIFORNIA IN 1927). OCCUPATION: GENERAL AVIATION PILOT FOR

AGRICULTURAL AERIAL-SPRAYING APPLICATIONS / TICKET AGENT AT CAMAGUEY AIRPORT.

   PLACE OF RESIDENCE: FINCA LA AFRICANA, OFF THE AIRPORT ROAD IN CAMAGUEY,

CUBA.   LANDED IN CUBA TO START A GUERRILLA MOVEMENT AND WAS CAPTURED.

EXECUTED BY FIRING SQUAD IN GUANABAQUILLA SHOOTING RANGE IN CAMAGUEY. 

SOURCE: TESTIMONY OF MARGARITA PATTEN MILLER (WIDOW), APRIL 12, 1999. 

ENCINOSA, CUBA EN GUERRA, 1994, PAGE 121. BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS MARTIRES,

1993, PAGE 154. CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF FIDEL

CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994. ARIEL REMOS, DIARIO LAS AMERICAS, 11 NOVEMBER 1998,

PAGE 10-A.

 

 

BILL PATTERSON.  03-06-61. U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH.   PLACE OF RESIDENCE:

U.S.A. EXECUTED BY FIRING SQUAD IN SANCTI SPIRITUS, LAS VILLAS PROVINCE.

SOURCE:  BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS MARTIRES, 1993, PAGE 154. CUBAN AMERICAN

NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994. ARIEL REMOS,

DIARIO LAS AMERICAS, 11 NOVEMBER 1998, PG. 10-A.

 

 

RAFAEL DEL PINO SIERO.  22-08-77. AGE: 50.  U.S. CITIZEN BY NATURALIZATION

SINCE 1946 (WORLD WAR II VETERAN).  PLACE OF RESIDENCE:  MIAMI, FORIDA. 

CAPTURED IN 1959 WHILE FLYING A PLANE TO PICK UP CUBAN MILITARY OFFICERS, WAS

CONDEMNED TO A 30-YEAR SENTENCE, BUT IS REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN ASSASSINATED

INSIDE HIS PUNISHMENT CELL AT COMBINADO DEL ESTE PRISON, HAVANA. THE CUBAN

GOVERNMENT CLAIMS HE COMMITTED SUICIDE BY HANGING WITH A STOCKING.

SOURCE:  SZULC, FIDEL: A CRITICAL PORTRAIT, 1986, PAGES 173, 177, 366-387.

ENCINOSA, CUBA EN GUERRA, 1994, PAGES 336-338. VALLADARES, CONTRA TODA

ESPERANZA, 1985, PAGES 199 AND 398. BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS MARTIRES, 993, PAGE

187. GLORIA MARINA, THE MIAMI HERALD, 30 AUGUST 1977.  CONTE, PAGES 181-182.

CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE,

1994. ARIEL REMOS, DIARIO LAS AMERICAS, 11 NOVEMBER 1998, PAGE 10-A. 

 

 

THOMAS (PETE) WILLARD RAY.  19-04-61. AGE: 30. U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH. 

OCCUPATION: AIR FORCE CAPTAIN WITH THE ALABAMA NATIONAL GUARD. PLACE OF

RESIDENCE: BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, USA. WAS PILOTING A PLANE IN SUPPORT OF THE

BAY OF PIGS INVASION FORCE, WAS SHOT DOWN NEAR THE AUSTRALIA SUGAR MILL IN

CUBAN AIRSPACE.  AFTER SURVIVING THE CRASH, HE WAS EXECUTED WHILE LYING

WOUNDED, SHOT IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD.  HIS BODY REMAINED IN EXHIBITION AT

THE MORGUE IN HAVANA FOR 18 YEARS.  FOR THE FAMILY TO FINALLY RECOVER HIS

REMAINS, THE CUBAN GOVERNMENT REQUESTED THEY PAY $36,OOO IN STORAGE CHARGES,

WHICH THEY REJECTED.  THANKS TO THE DAUGHTER'S RELENTLESS EFFORTS, THE BODY

WAS EVENTUALLY RELEASED AND BURIED IN ALABAMA IN DECEMBER 1979.

SOURCE:  TESTIMONY OF JANET RAY WEININGER (DAUGHTER) IN CUBAN AMERICAN

NATIONAL FOUNDATION, ACTUALIDAD CUBANA, OCTOBRE 1998, PAGE. LYNCH, DECISION

FOR DISASTER, 1998, PAGE 128. EDWARD FERRER, OPERATION PUMA, 1982, PAGES 213,

215 AND 216. CLARK, CUBA: MITO Y REALIDAD, 1990, PAGE 182. 

GONZALEZ-LALONDRY, BAHIA DE COCHINOS, 1995, PAGE 411. ENRIQUE ROS, PLAYA

GIRON, 1994, PAGE 276. CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF FIDEL

CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994.  

 

 

ANTHONY SALVARD.  13-10-60. U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH.  PLACE OF RESIDENCE: 

U.S.A.  LANDED IN NAVAS BAY, ORIENTE, WITH ARMENTINO FERIA IN OCTOBER OF 1960

TO START A GUERRILLA MOVEMENT. WAS CAPTURED AND SENTENCED TO DEATH BY A

REVOLUTIONARY TRIBUNAL. EXECUTED BY FIRING SQUAD AT THE SAN JUAN HILL

SHOOTING RANGE IN SANTIAGO DE CUBA, TOGETHER WITH THREE OTHER AMERICANS

(FULLER, THOMPSON, AND ZARBA). 

SOURCE: UNITED STATES FOREIGN CLAIMS SETTLEMENT COMMISSION, DECISION CU-6199,

AWARD TO JENNY M. FULLER ET AL., 1972.  ENCINOSA, ESCAMBRAY LA GUERRA

OLVIDADA, 1989, PAGE 162.  BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS MARTIRES, 1993, PAGE 174.

CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE,

1994. ARIEL REMOS, DIARIO LAS AMERICAS, 11 NOVEMBER 1998, PAGE 10-A.

 

 

SHELTON (FIRST NAME UNKNOWN.)  1963. PRESUMED U.S. CITIZEN.  DIED AT BONIATO

PRISON, NEAR SANTIAGO DE CUBA.

 SOURCE: BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS MARTIRES, 1993, PAGE 176. NOTE: CONFLICT OF

EVIDENCE.  CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF FIDEL CASTRO'S

GENOCIDE, 1994, HAS HIM ASSASSINATED IN PRISON.

 

 

JOHN B. SKELTON.  08-07-63.   PRESUMED U. S. CITIZEN.  EXECUTED BY FIRING

SQUAD IN SANTIAGO DE CUBA, ORIENTE PROVINCE.  

SOURCE:   BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS MARTIRES, 1993, PAGE 177.  CUBAN AMERICAN

NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994.

 

 

ALLEN DALE THOMPSON.  17-10-60. U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH. PLACE OF RESIDENCE: 

U.S.A.  LANDED IN NAVAS BAY, ORIENTE, WITH ARMENTINO FERIA IN OCTOBER OF 1960

TO START A GUERRILLA MOVEMENT. WAS CAPTURED AND SENTENCED TO DEATH BY A

REVOLUTIONARY TRIBUNAL. EXECUTED BY FIRING SQUAD AT THE SAN JUAN HILL

SHOOTING RANGE IN SANTIAGO DE CUBA, TOGETHER WITH THREE OTHER AMERICANS

(FULLER, SALVARD, AND ZARBA).

SOURCE:  L. RUIZ, DIARIO DE UNA TRAICION: CUBA-1960, 1970, PAGE 316.

ENCINOSA, ESCAMBRAY LA GUERRA OLVIDADA, 1989, PAGE 163. UNITED STATES FOREIGN

CLAIMS SETTLEMENT COMMISSION, DECISION CU-6199, AWARD TO JENNY M. FULLER ET

AL., 1972. BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS MARTIRES, 1993. PAGES 187 AND 180.  CUBAN

AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994.

ARIEL REMOS, DIARIO LAS AMERICAS, 11 NOVEMBER 1998, PAGE 10-A.

 

 

ROBERT TULLER.  1960.  U. S. CITIZEN.  EXECUTED BY FIRING SQUAD AT LA CABAÑA

FORTRESS IN HAVANA.

SOURCE: BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS MARTIRES, 1993, PAGE 181. CUBAN AMERICAN

NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994.

 

 

ANTHONY ZARBA (ALIAS TONY). 12-10-60. U.S. CITIZEN.  PLACE OF RESIDENCE:

U.S.A.  LANDED IN NAVAS BAY, ORIENTE, WITH ARMENTINO FERIA IN OCTOBER OF 1960

TO START A GUERRILLA MOVEMENT. WAS CAPTURED AND SENTENCED TO DEATH BY A

REVOLUTIONARY TRIBUNAL. EXECUTED BY FIRING SQUAD AT THE SAN JUAN HILL

SHOOTING RANGE IN SANTIAGO DE CUBA, TOGETHER WITH THREE OTHER AMERICANS

(FULLER, SALVARD, AND THOMPSON). 

SOURCE:  BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS MARTIRES, 1993, PAGE 187.  CUBAN AMERICAN

NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994. WAQI, RADIO

MAMBI'S LIST,  p.82. GOMEZ-ESTRADA, LA BESTIA ROJA DE CUBA, 1990, P. 169. LA

REPRESIÓN EN CUBA, DIRECTORIO REVOLUCIONARIO ESTUDIANTIL, 1965, p.38.

LEOVIGILDO RUIZ, CUBA: DIARIO DE UNA TRAICION, 1960 (1970), TELLES, 307-310

HAS HIM EXECUTED ON 13/10/60.

 

 

 

II. U.S CITIZENS ASSASSINATED BY THE CASTRO REGIME OUTSIDE OF CUBA

 

Research for this section is mostly pending until a future phase of this

investigative project. Cuba under Castro has trained terrorists from all over

the world and financed and participated in many international armed

conflicts, from international solidarity wars in Africa to guerilla movements

in Latin America.  In fact, Fidel Castro has publicly acknowledged sponsoring

wars of subversion against all countries of Latin American with the exception

of Mexico. As a result, thousands of lives have been lost, primarily in

Africa and Latin America, including a number of U.S. citizens.  In fact, Cuba

supported the Puerto Rican terrorist movement FALN (Frente Armado de

Liberacion Nacional) known as "Macheteros," that carried out its activities

in U.S. territory -at least 72 bombing, 40 incendiary attacks, and 8

attempted bombings- causing 83 injuries, 5 deaths and over millions in

property damage.

 

 

ARMANDO ALEJANDRE JR. 24-02-96. AGE: 45.   U.S. CITIZEN BY NATURALIZATION

(VIETNAM WAR VETERAN).  OCCUPATION: TRANSIT PLANNER, DADE COUNTY DEPARTMENT

OF TRANSPORTATION.  PLACE OF RESIDENCE: MIAMI, FLORIDA.  AS PASSENGER ON AN

UNARMED CIVILIAN PLANE ON A HUMANITARIAN SEARCH AND RESCUE MISSION FOR

BROTHERS TO THE RESCUE, WAS SHOT DOWN BY CUBAN MIG JET FIGHTERS IN

INTERNATIONAL AIRSPACE OVER THE FLORIDA STRAITS, IN WHAT IS REPORTED TO HAVE

BEEN A PREMADITATED ACTION.

SOURCES: ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES, ANNUAL REPORT OF THE INTER-AMERICAN

COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS 1996, 1997, PAGE 691. PABLO ALFONSO, EL NUEVO

HERALD, 25 FEBRUARY 1997, PAGE 1-A. ARMANDO CORREA, EL NUEVO HERALD, 25

FEBRUARY 1997, PAGE 10-A.  ARIEL REMOS, DIARIO LAS AMERICAS, 11 NOVEMBER

1998, PAGE 10-A. CENTER FOR A FREE CUBA, "CONGRESSMEN TO CLINTON: BRING

CASTRO TO JUSTICE", CUBA BRIEF, WINTER 1998, PAGE 26.

 

 

COBEIL, EARL GLENN, U.S. AIR FORCE CAPTAIN.  SERIAL NO. 364327201.  5-11-70. 

AGE: 36. DOB:  29-8-34. U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH, RESIDENT OF PONTIAC, MICHIGAN.

 MARRIED.  CAUCASIAN.   CAPTURED 5-11-67 IN VIETNAM, WAS TRANSFERRED IN

JANUARY 1968 TO THE PRISON KNOWN BY AMERICAN POWS AS "THE ZOO."  THERE, HE

WAS SUBJECTED TO WHAT WAS KNOWN AS "THE CUBAN PROGRAM" LED BY A SPECIAL CUBAN

TEAM WHOSE HEAD THE PRISONERS NICKNAMED "FIDEL." THIS PARTICULARLY VICIOUS 

SYSTEM OF EXTREME PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TORTURE IS SAID TO HAVE BEEN AN

EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM OF DOMINATION TECHNIQUES,  FOR WHICH SUCCESSIVE GROUPS

OF AMERICAN POWS (18 IN TOTAL) HELD AT THE ZOO WERE RANDOMLY SELECTED DURING

1967-1968.  COBEIL ENDURED "ONE OF THE MOST HENIOUS AND TRAGIC ATROCITY CASES

IN THE NORTHERN PW EXPERIENCE" (ROCHESTER & KILEY, P. 399).  AFTER WEEKS OF

VICIOUS BEATINGS, UNRELENTING PSYCHOLOCIAL TORTURE, SOLITARY CONFINEMENT, AND

FORCED ELECTROSHOCKS,  HIS MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CONDITION DETERIORATED

PROGRESSIVELY UNTIL HIS DEATH IN THE FALL OF 1970 IN A CELL AT HOA LO. HIS

REMAINS WERE RETURNED ON 24-3-74.

SOURCE: ROCHESTER, STUART AND KILEY, FREDERICK. HONOR BOUND: AMERICAN

PRISONERS OF WAR IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, 1961-1973 (ANNAPOLIS: NAVAL INSTITUTE

PRESS, 1999), pp. 399-405. ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY THE OFFICE OF THE

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, HISTORICAL OFFICE, 1998. 

WWW.VIRTUALWALL.ORG/DC/COBEILEG01B.HTM.

 

 

CARLOS COSTA. 24-02-96. AGE: 29. U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH.   OCCUPATION: HUMAN

RESOURCES ADMINISTRATOR AT THE MIAMI-DADE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.  PLACE OF

RESIDENCE:  MIAMI, FL.  PILOTING AN UNARMED CIVILIAN PLANE ON A HUMANITARIAN

SEARCH AND RESCUE MISSION FOR BROTHERS TO THE RESCUE, WAS SHOT DOWN BY CUBAN

MIG JET FIGHTERS IN INTERNATIONAL AIRSPACE OVER THE FLORIDA STRAITS, IN WHAT

IS REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN A PREMADITATED ACTION.

SOURCE:  ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES, ANNUAL REPORT OF THE INTER-AMERICAN

COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS 1996, 1997. PAGE 691. PABLO ALFONSO, EL NUEVO

HERALD, 25 FEBRUARY 1997, PAGE 1-A. ARMANDO CORREA, EL NUEVO HERALD, 25

FEBRUARY 1997, PAGE 10-A. ARIEL REMOS, DIARIO LAS AMERICAS, 11 NOVEMBER 1998,

PAGE 10-A. CENTER FOR A FREE CUBA, "CONGRESSMEN TO CLINTON: BRING CASTRO TO

JUSTICE", CUBA BRIEF, WINTER 1998, PAGE 26.

 

 

MARIO DE LA PEÑA. 24-02-96. AGE: 24.  U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH.  OCCUPATION:

PILOT INTERN WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES.    PLACE OF RESIDENCE: MIAMI, FLORIDA. 

PILOTING AN UNARMED CIVILIAN PLANE ON A HUMANITARIAN SEARCH AND RESCUE

MISSION FOR BROTHERS TO THE RESCUE, WAS SHOT DOWN BY CUBAN MIG JET FIGHTERS

IN INTERNATIONAL AIRSPACE OVER THE FLORIDA STRAITS, IN WHAT IS REPORTED TO

HAVE BEEN A PREMADITATED ACTION.

SOURCE: ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES, ANNUAL REPORT OF THE INTER-AMERICAN

COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS 1996, 1997, PAGE 691.  PABLO ALFONSO, EL NUEVO

HERALD, 25 FEBRUARY 1996, PAGE 1-A. ARMANDO CORREA, EL NUEVO HERALD, 25

FEBRUARY 1996, PAGE 10-A.  ARIEL REMOS, DIARIO LAS AMERICAS, 11 NOVEMBER

1998, PAGE 10-A. CENTER FOR A FREE CUBA, "CONGRESSMEN TO CLINTON: BRING

CASTRO TO JUSTICE", CUBA BRIEF, WINTER 1998, P. 26. 

 

 

 

III. U.S. CITIZENS KILLED OR MISSING IN OPERATIONS

TO MONITOR OR COUNTER THE CASTRO REGIME

 

 

RUDOLPH ANDERSON, JR., U.S. AIRFORCE MAJOR.  27-10-62.  AGE: 35.  U.S.

CITIZEN BY BIRTH, BORN AND RAISED IN GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA, 1948

GRADUATE OF CLEMSON COLLEGE. SHOT DOWN OVER CUBAN AIRSPACE (NIPE BAY, ORIENTE

PROVINCE) BY A SURFACE TO AIR MISSILE WHILE FLYING A U2 SPY PLANE DURING THE

CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS.  RECIPIENT OF FIRST AIR FORCE CROSS MEDAL.

SOURCE: BLIGHT, ALLYN AND WELCH, ON THE BRINK: AMERICANS AND SOVIETS

RE-EXAMINE, 1989, PAGES 60, 68, 113 AND 117.  BLIGHT, ALLYN AND WELCH, ON THE

BRINK: CASTRO, THE MISSILE CRISIS AND THE SOVIET COLLAPSE, 1993, PAGE 105.

BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS MARTIRES, 1993, PAGE 88. ARIEL REMOS, DIARIO LAS

AMERICAS, 11 NOVEMBER 1998, PAGE 10-A. STATEMENT GIVEN BY THE OFFICE OF THE

ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, VIRGINIA CLARK, 21-12-2001.

 

 

LEO FRANCIS BAKER.  19-04-61. U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH.  OCCUPATION: FLIGHT

NAVIGATOR WITH THE ALABAMA NATIONAL GUARD.  PLACE OF RESIDENCE: BIRMINGHAM,

ALABAMA.  SHOT DOWN IN CUBAN AIRSPACE WHILE NAVIGATING THE PLANE PILOTED BY

CAPT. THOMAS RAY IN SUPPORT OF THE 2506 BRIGADE DURING THE BAY OF PIGS

INVASION.

SOURCE:  ENRIQUE ROS, PLAYA GIRON, 1994, PAGE 276. CLARK, CUBA: MITO Y

REALIDAD, 1990, PAGE 182. LYNCH, DECISION FOR DISASTER, 1998, PAGE 128.

EDWARD FERRER, OPERATION PUMA, 1982, PAGES 213, 215 AND 216.

GONZALEZ-LALONDRY, BAHIA DE COCHINOS, 1995, PAGE 412. BERUVIDES, CUBA Y SUS

MARTIRES, 1993, PAGE 91. CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF

FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994.   

 

 

WADE CARROL GRAY. 19-04-61. U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH.  OCCUPATION:  FLIGHT

NAVIGATOR WITH ALABAMA NATIONAL GUARD. PLACE OF RESIDENCE: BIRMINGHAM,

ALABAMA, U.S.A. SHOT DOWN IN CUBAN AIRSPACE WHILE NAVIGATING THE PLANE

PILOTED BY MAJOR RILEY SHAMBURGER IN SUPPORT OF THE 2506 BRIGADE DURING THE

BAY OF PIGS INVASION.

SOURCE:  ENRIQUE ROS, PLAYA GIRON, 1994, PAGE 276.  CLARK, CUBA: MITO Y

REALIDAD, 1990, PAGE 182. LYNCH, DECISION FOR DISASTER, 1998, PAGE 128.

EDWARD FERRER, OPERATION PUMA, 1982, PAGES 213, 215 AND 216.

GONZALEZ-LALONDRY, BAHIA DE COCHINOS, 1995, PAGE 412. CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL

FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994.

 

 

MIKE RAFFERTY. 12-11-66.  U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH.  OCCUPATION: AIRCRAFT PILOT.

 PLACE OF RESIDENCE: FLORIDA, U.S.A. CRASHED HIS B-25 AIRCRAFT OVER THE

FLORIDA STRAITS AFTER BOMBING THE CEPERO BONILLA REFINERY IN MATANZAS BAY. 

SOURCE: ENRIQUE  ROS, CUBANOS COMBATIENTES, 1998, PAGE 41.

 

 

ALEXANDER I. RORKE JR.  24-09-63.  AGE: 37.  U.S. CITIZEN, BORN IN NEW YORK

CITY.  OCCUPATION: FREE LANCE WRITER.  PLACE OF RESIDENCE: NEW YORK, NY. 

DISAPPEARED IN A BEECHCRAFT BIMOTOR AIRCRAFT PILOTED BY GEOFFREY SULLIVAN

DURING A FLIGHT FROM FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA TO PANAMA AFTER THE AIRCRAFT

HAD REFUELED IN COZUMEL, MEXICO.  ON 25-04-63  THEY HAD BOMBED AN OIL

REFINERY IN HAVANA, CUBA, WITH HOMEMADE BOMBS, BUT THE BOMBS HAD FAILED TO

EXPLODE.   HE IS THE SON OF A FORMER MANHATTAN DISTRICT ATTORNEY. THERE IS A

REWARD OUTSTANDING FOR INFORMATION ON HIS WHEREABOUTS.  

SOURCE: TESTIMONY OF JACQUELINE BILLINGSLEY RORKE (WIFE)  AT A NEW YORK STORK

CLUB PRESS CONFERENCE OD 27-09-63. RICHARD PEDRAZA " BUSCAN A RORKE CON

RECOMPENSA" EL TIEMPO NEWSPAPER, NEW YORK CITY, OCTOBER 1963. A.P. CABLE

27-09-63. CUBAN INFORMATION CENTER WEBSITE (UNDATED).

 

 

RILEY W. SHAMBURGER JR.   04-61.  U.S. CITIZEN BY BIRTH.   OCCUPATION: AIR

FORCE MAJOR WITH THE ALABAMA NATIONAL GUARD. PLACE OF RESIDENCE: BIRMINGHAM,

ALABAMA.   SHOT DOWN WHILE PILOTING A PLANE IN SUPPORT OF THE 2506 BRIGADE

DURING THE BAY OF PIGS INVASION.

SOURCE: EDWARD FERRER, OPERATION PUMA, 1982, PAGES 213, 215 AND 216. LYNCH,

DECISION FOR DISASTER, 1998, PAGE 128.  ENRIQUE ROS, PLAYA GIRON, 1994, PAGE

276.  CLARK, CUBA: MITO Y REALIDAD, 1990, PAGE 182. GONZALEZ-LALONDRY, BAHIA

DE COCHINOS, 1995, PAGE 412. CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE QUILT OF

FIDEL CASTRO'S GENOCIDE, 1994.

 

 

GEOFFREY SULLIVAN.  24-09-6.  AGE: 28.  U.S. CITIZEN, BORN IN WATERBURY, NY 

OCCUPATION: COMMERCIAL PILOT.  PLACE OF RESIDENCE: 86 LEXINGTON AVENUE, NEW

YORK CITY, NY.  HIS AIRPLANE, A BEECHCRAFT BIMOTOR DISAPPEARED IN A FLIGHT

FROM FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA TO PANAMA, AFTER REFUELING IN COZUMEL MEXICO.

HE WAS A VETERAN OF SEVERAL FLIGHTS TO CUBA. 

SOURCE: TESTIMONY OF JACQUELINE BILLINGSLEY RORKE AT THE NEW YORK STORK CLUB

PRESS CONFERENCE OF 27-09-63. RICHARD PEDRAZA "BUSCAN A RORKE CON

RECOMPENSA",  EL TIEMPO NEWSPAPER, NEW YORK CITY, OCTOBER 1963,  A. P. CABLE

27-09-63.  CUBAN INFORMATION CENTER WEBSITE (UNDATED). 

 

Edited by Maria C. Werlau, May 2002.

 

 

This work is part of the Truth Recovery Archive on Cuba, which seeks to

document the loss of life attributed to political-military causes associated

with the Cuban revolutionary process (from 3/10/52 to the present).  This

independent, non-partisan, effort upholds the intrinsic right of all people

to live safely and in freedom and is premised on the belief that truth is

vital for the psychological wellbeing of survivors and society in general. It

hopes to foster needed reforms, lay the foundation to attain justice and

societal reconciliation, and help prevent similar horrors from happening now

or ever again. The work is conducted with academic rigor and impartiality,

irrespective of the social, political, and other attributes and affiliations

of the victims.  This is an initiative of the Free Society Project, Inc., a

non-profit, tax-exempt (501(c)3) organization whose purpose is to promote

human rights, particularly through research, scholarship, and publications.

Additional information, photographs, and other evidence or archival material

on the victims is appreciated.  Please contact Maria C. Werlau, Tel.

(973)701-0520, Fax (973)701-0521, CubaArchive@AOL.com. 

 

 

"... in 42 years of Revolution there has never been in our country ...one

disappearance, one political assassination, one person tortured, despite the

thousands of vile slanders spread by a frustrated and unscrupulos empire that

wishes to sweep from the face of the earth the image and example that is

Cuba.  Travel the whole the country, ask the people, find any shred of proof,

that demonstrates that anyone belonging to the revolutionary government has

ordered or tolerated any such act, and I will never again occupy a political

tribune."

-Fidel Castro, Granma Internacional Digital, La Habana. Año 6  Nro. 959 /

Viernes, 6 de Abril de 2001. http://www.granma.cu/espanol/abri1/ningun-e.html.

 

 

SELECTIONS FROM CHAPTER ON

FIRING SQUAD EXECUTIONS

 

 

THE DEATH PENALTY DIDN'T EXIST IN CUBA BEFORE THE REVOLUTION. THE

CONSTITUTION OF 1940 PROHIBITED THE DEATH PENALTY EXCEPT IN CASES OF MILITARY

TREASON. IN FACT, IT HAD NEVER BEEN EXERCISED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE

REPUBLIC.  ALL THIS CHANGED WITH FIDEL CASTRO'S RISE TO POWER. ON 10 JANUARY

1959, MERE DAYS AFTER BATISTA FLED FROM POWER, THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED

REVOLUTIONARY COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MODIFIED ARTICLES 21, 24, AND 25 OF THE

CONSTITUTION OF 1940 AUTHORIZING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE DEATH PENALTY.

(RUIZ, 1965, PAGE 27). SOON THEREAFTER, ON 10 FEBRUARY 1959, THE COUNCIL OF

MINISTERS PROMULGATED A NEW FUNDAMENTAL LAW THAT ALSO AUTHORIZED THE DEATH

PENALTY.  (RUIZ, 1965, PAGE 49).