1958 Fidel Castro Military Promotion of Raul to Commander

This original revolutionary manuscript, wholly handwritten and signed by Fidel Castro in the Sierra Maestra and dated 28 February 1958, records the promotion of Raúl Castro Ruz to the rank of Comandante and his appointment as commander of Column 6 "Frank País." Entrusting Raúl with authority over the territory extending from Mayarí to Baracoa, the order established the leadership of what would become the Second Eastern Front, a pivotal command in the Cuban Revolution. Beyond the promotion itself, the manuscript delegates significant military and administrative powers, reflecting the transformation of the Rebel Army into an increasingly structured governing force. While the event is well documented in Cuban historical literature, surviving original manuscripts of the order have not been publicly identified, and this example preserves details beyond those commonly reproduced in later publications. Particularly noteworthy is its date of 28 February 1958, differing from the 27 February date traditionally cited in the historical record.