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What does 'Combat Fraternity' mean?

This name stands for military brotherhood between different countries. It describes soldiers from two different nations working together as trusted partners on the battlefield. The medal was created in 1979 to show that these groups were united in their goals.

Did Soviet advisors receive this medal?

Yes, many Soviet military officers who worked in Cuba earned this honor. During the Cold War, these advisors helped train Cuban soldiers and plan defense strategies. Before they returned home, they were often presented with the medal to thank them for their service.

Are there different classes of this medal?

Yes, there are two distinct levels of this award, known as the first and second class. You can tell them apart by looking at the colored ribbon attached to the medal. These small differences show the level of contribution the soldier made to international teamwork.

Is it given during peacetime?

Yes, the medal is not just for soldiers fighting in a war. It is also awarded when countries hold joint training exercises or work together on defense plans. This honors the hard work put into staying prepared and building strong ties between friendly nations.

What symbols appear on the medal?

The medal usually shows crossed rifles or bayonets as a symbol of military strength. These weapons are surrounded by laurel wreaths, which are old symbols of victory and honor. This design reminds everyone of the partnership formed through shared training and combat.

What does 'Combat Fraternity' mean?

This name stands for military brotherhood between different countries. It describes soldiers from two different nations working together as trusted partners on the battlefield. The medal was created in 1979 to show that these groups were united in their goals.

Did Soviet advisors receive this medal?

Yes, many Soviet military officers who worked in Cuba earned this honor. During the Cold War, these advisors helped train Cuban soldiers and plan defense strategies. Before they returned home, they were often presented with the medal to thank them for their service.

Are there different classes of this medal?

Yes, there are two distinct levels of this award, known as the first and second class. You can tell them apart by looking at the colored ribbon attached to the medal. These small differences show the level of contribution the soldier made to international teamwork.

Is it given during peacetime?

Yes, the medal is not just for soldiers fighting in a war. It is also awarded when countries hold joint training exercises or work together on defense plans. This honors the hard work put into staying prepared and building strong ties between friendly nations.

What symbols appear on the medal?

The medal usually shows crossed rifles or bayonets as a symbol of military strength. These weapons are surrounded by laurel wreaths, which are old symbols of victory and honor. This design reminds everyone of the partnership formed through shared training and combat.

Home Library CubaMedal of Combat Fraternity

Merit decoration

Medal of Combat Fraternity

A military medal given for building strong alliances and joint combat cooperation with friendly foreign armed forces.

Cuba Established 1979 All servicesPrecedence: Follows general military merit decorations, positioned among international cooperation awards

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for exceptional cooperation, joint training, and strengthening military ties with allied foreign forces.

Eligibility

Cuban soldiers and allied foreign military personnel who participate in joint defense actions.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Follows general military merit decorations, positioned among international cooperation awards

Medal of Combat Fraternity, Merit decoration, Cuba medal

History

The Medal of Combat Fraternity (Medalla Fraternidad Combativa) was created by the Cuban State Council in the late 1970s. It was designed to promote teamwork between Cuba and allied socialist armies.

During the Cold War, Cuban troops frequently trained and fought alongside soldiers from the Soviet Union, Angola, Ethiopia, and Nicaragua. This medal honored those cross-border partnerships.

It was often presented to Soviet military advisors stationed in Cuba or to foreign commanders who conducted joint exercises with the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Cold WarAngolan Civil WarOgaden War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez, including Gold Star of a Hero of the Republic of Cuba, Order of Playa Girón, Order of Máximo Gómez, Medal of Combat Fraternity, shown against a light Cuba flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

Gold Star of a Hero of the Republic of Cuba Order of Playa Girón Order of Máximo Gómez+1

Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez

Who Was Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez?

The first Cuban and person of African descent to fly in space.

CubaSeptember 18, 1980

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Sources

Back to Cuba