[8][9] So the Mariana Grajales Platoon, which was composed of 13 young women, was a unique component of the revolutionary army.
[10][11] The platoon was essential in the rebels' 28 September 1958 victory over the Batista forces at Cerro Pelado (near modern-day Bartolomé Masó) after a three-day battle.
[12] Following victory in January 1959, the members of the platoon worked to build schools in the mountainous portion of eastern Cuba.
[13] On 4 September 1988, the 30th anniversary of the founding of the platoon, a commemorative event was held at the headquarters of the Women's Anti-Air Artillery Regiment.
[14] In attendance were Vilma Espín, president of the Federation of Cuban Women, Nguyễn Thị Định, then-Vice President of Vietnam and member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and Corps General Julio Casas Regueiro of the Revolutionary Armed Forces.