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By Bob Bruneau
April 18, 2025

José Ramón Fernández, above left, commander of main column of Cuban forces that defeated U.S.-backed mercenary invasion at the Bay of Pigs in April 1961, walks beside prisoners captured there. Inset, Cuban doctor treats wounded mercenary. Fidel Castro led communist course of respectful, humane treatment of prisoners of war, accelerating the disintegration of regime’s army.

José Ramón Fernández, above left, commander of main column of Cuban forces that defeated U.S.-backed mercenary invasion at the Bay of Pigs in April 1961, walks beside prisoners captured there. Inset, Cuban doctor treats wounded mercenary. Fidel Castro led communist course of respectful, humane treatment of prisoners of war, accelerating the disintegration of regime’s army.