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Why are there three classes?

The medal is split into three levels to show the importance of a soldier's actions. The first class is the top award given for the most heroic deeds. The second and third classes honor other acts of hard work and service. This system lets the government pick the perfect award for every person based on what they did while fighting abroad.

What is an internationalist mission?

An internationalist mission is when Cuban soldiers traveled to other countries to fight in local wars. Starting in the 1970s, tens of thousands of troops were sent to places like Angola and Ethiopia to support local groups. These soldiers often stayed for a long time and faced very dangerous combat. It was a way for Cuba to help its allies win battles in different parts of the world.

What does the ribbon look like?

The ribbon uses different colored stripes so people can tell the three classes apart. Each class has its own pattern to show which level of the medal a soldier earned. These colors represent the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served in foreign lands. It acts as a clear sign of honor for everyone to see on a uniform.

Did Che Guevara wear this medal?

Che Guevara never wore this medal because he died in 1967. The Cuban government created this award on December 10, 1979, which was twelve years after he passed away. They named the medal after him to honor his role as a leader of the Cuban Revolution. It keeps his memory alive for all the new soldiers who go on these tough missions today.

Can civilians receive the Order of Ernesto Che Guevara?

Yes, civilians can earn this award if they take part in important missions outside of Cuba. Many people like doctors and teachers traveled to dangerous war zones to help troops and local people. If they show great courage or do something very helpful, they can receive this special honor. It proves that many different people work together to help their country's goals.

Why are there three classes?

The medal is split into three levels to show the importance of a soldier's actions. The first class is the top award given for the most heroic deeds. The second and third classes honor other acts of hard work and service. This system lets the government pick the perfect award for every person based on what they did while fighting abroad.

What is an internationalist mission?

An internationalist mission is when Cuban soldiers traveled to other countries to fight in local wars. Starting in the 1970s, tens of thousands of troops were sent to places like Angola and Ethiopia to support local groups. These soldiers often stayed for a long time and faced very dangerous combat. It was a way for Cuba to help its allies win battles in different parts of the world.

What does the ribbon look like?

The ribbon uses different colored stripes so people can tell the three classes apart. Each class has its own pattern to show which level of the medal a soldier earned. These colors represent the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served in foreign lands. It acts as a clear sign of honor for everyone to see on a uniform.

Did Che Guevara wear this medal?

Che Guevara never wore this medal because he died in 1967. The Cuban government created this award on December 10, 1979, which was twelve years after he passed away. They named the medal after him to honor his role as a leader of the Cuban Revolution. It keeps his memory alive for all the new soldiers who go on these tough missions today.

Can civilians receive the Order of Ernesto Che Guevara?

Yes, civilians can earn this award if they take part in important missions outside of Cuba. Many people like doctors and teachers traveled to dangerous war zones to help troops and local people. If they show great courage or do something very helpful, they can receive this special honor. It proves that many different people work together to help their country's goals.

Home Library CubaOrder of Ernesto Che Guevara

Distinguished service decoration

Order of Ernesto Che Guevara

A three-class military decoration awarded for bravery and service on international combat and solidarity missions.

Cuba Established 1979 Revolutionary Armed ForcesPrecedence: Ranks directly below the Order of Máximo Gómez

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for extraordinary merits in fulfilling internationalist combat and support missions abroad.

Eligibility

Members of the Cuban Armed Forces and friendly foreign troops fighting against imperialism.

Branch

Revolutionary Armed Forces

Precedence

Ranks directly below the Order of Máximo Gómez

Order of Ernesto Che Guevara, Distinguished service decoration, Cuba medal

History

Established on December 10, 1979, this decoration is named after Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, an iconic leader of the Cuban Revolution. Guevara was famous for fighting in Cuba, the Congo, and Bolivia.

The medal was created with three classes to honor soldiers who served on dangerous overseas missions. It took over the role of recognizing international fighting duties that began growing in the 1970s.

Tens of thousands of Cuban soldiers deployed abroad during conflicts in Africa and the Caribbean. Officers and troops who showed exceptional courage in those foreign wars were awarded this distinctive order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Angolan Civil WarOgaden WarCongo Crisis

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Leopoldo Cintra Frías, including Medal for Internationalist Combatants, Commemorative Medal 20th Anniversary of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, Order of Ernesto Che Guevara, Medal for the Defense of Cuito Cuanavale, Medal for Victory in the Republic of Angola, Order of Antonio Maceo, shown against a light Cuba flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

Medal for Internationalist Combatants Commemorative Medal 20th Anniversary of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Order of Ernesto Che Guevara+3

Leopoldo Cintra Frías

Who Was Leopoldo Cintra Frías?

A key commander for Cuban forces during the Angolan Civil War.

Cuba1987-1988

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Sources

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