Melba Hernandez, who is more commonly known as the "heroine of the Cuban Revolution," has died at the age of 92 on Mar. 9, according to a message published by the Communist Party's Central Committee in party newspaper Granma. The paper disclosed the cause of death to be complications from diabetes.
"She is one of the most glorious and beloved combatants of the revolutionary quest, (and an) imperishable example of the Cuban woman," wrote the publication, adding that Hernandez would be cremated and her ashes would be spread in a cemetary.
Born on July 28, 1921, Hernandez was one of the two women that helped Fidel Castro in his battle in 1953 and has been loyal to Castro throughout her life. Towards her later years, Hernandez was seen at official events, accompanied by Castro or his younger brother, Raul.
Here are seven things to know about Melba Hernandez:
1. In the 1953 assault on Moncada Barracks, Hernandez aided Castro by obtaining a hundred uniforms from an army seargent. She, and Haydee Santamaria, ironed the attire and sewed military ranks onto the uniforms. Since the attack failed, both Hernandez and Santamaria were jailed.
2. While Castro was in jail, Hernandez corresponded with him and received instructions. She passed out writings from Castro to rally supporters.
3. Hernandez and her husband, Jesus Montane, were responsible for organizing a guerilla army in Mexico. She later became a member of the guerrilla army's Third Front.
4. After Castro took power, Hernandez assisted the Communist Party of Cuba and served as an ambassador to Vietnam and Cambodia.
5. The University of Havana gave Hernandez an honorary doctorate in international relations in July 2007.
6. Hernandez served as the secretary-general of the Organization for the Solidarity of the Peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America. The group, which was made in 1966, was created to support developing nations in their fight for independence.
7. Hernandez was one of five women who were awarded a human rights award in 1997 from Col. Moammar Gadhafi of Libya, who was an ally of Cuba.
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