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Cryptonym: AMTRIGON-2

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Definition:
Probably Roberto Herrera, aka Tico Herrera, a guerrilla leader in the Escambray during 1960-1961 before he arrived in the US. AMTRIGON-2 was the team leader of the infiltration team aboard the Villaro vessel in May 1962. In 1963 AMTRIGON-2 was working for Alberto Fernandez Hechevarria (AMDENIM-1).
Status:
Probable
Discussion:
In the aforementioned 1962 raid, Miguel Delgado Martinez (AMTRIGON-8) died after a firefight. By March 1963, AMTRIGON-2 had been exfiltrated from Cuba, and was seeking to return through infiltration. In 1963 was being considered for use as a reconnaissance agent. By October 1963 AMTRIGON-2 was being considered for inclusion with an Oriente Province team. Herrera was 201-314931, and AMTRIGON-1/Captain Algimiro Fonseca's 201 number was 201-314932. One question: Who is 201-314933? This number pops up on 104-10062-10223, page 8 of 31. This person is probably a colleague of AMTRIGON-1/Algimiro Fonseca, 201-314932 and possibly Roberto Herrera/201-314931.
Sources:

104-10177-10195: CABLE: GUERRILLA GROUPS ORIENTE BELIEVED CONSIST FOLLOWING

03/24/61, Cable from BELL to JMWAVE: "1. Guerrilla groups Oriente believed consist following:...B. Between Imias and Baracoa. 100 led by Lt. Roberto Herrera y Tito AKA 'Tico' in Sierra de Purial. Air drop to group partly successful. In same general area are groups led by Alfonso Guevara Fournier (AMDIP-3 claimed 250 men for Guevera, 30 more likely) and Pancho Calvino..." Also see 104-10262-10037 - page 3 - 9/21/60 that refers to "Arrayo Bernaje aka Roberto Herrera, who is operating in southeast sector of Escambray, has 73 men, is fairly well armed, and is constantly on the move."

104-10166-10226: UNIDAD REVOLUCIONARIA

Re May 7, 1962: Page 62: ..."108. Fonseca, Algimiro (Capt) 201-314932: UR contact; fought with Vera Leyva against Militia at Loma de Pivalo; not stated in source but subj presumably former Capt in Rebel Army who joined resistance. (72)..." Page 101: ..."124. Herrera, Tico (201-314931): Appeared on list of men considered by Garcia Oller and Vera Leyva of UR for infil ops into Cuba in May 62 (174)..." This UR document included Roberto Herrera Tito at number 28. Titled UNIDAD REVOLUCIONARIA: Relacion de Halcones: https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=55556&relPageId=171&search=Roberto_Herrera%20Tico - 04/16/63, CIA document.

104-10229-10002: CRC ADMIN/BUDGET/FINANCE, AUGUST 68.

Re: May-June 1962: AMTRIGON-8 was a member of the Villaro crew. During May 1962 he clandestinely and without authorization boarded a infiltration craft moments before its departure on an operational mission. His absence was not discovered until the team had infiltrated and moved into its first position. On 8 or 9 June 1962 the infiltration team, including AMTRIGON-8, became engaged in a firefight with a militia patrol. AMTRIGON-2, the team leader, reported that AMTRIGON-8 had been wounded and that he assumed AMTRIGON-8 was killed or perhaps captured. However, no further word has been heard from AMTRIGON-8 and he is presumed to be dead..." Memo by Chief of Station JMWAVE to Chief, WH, 5/10/68.

104-10236-10261: MEMO: HILDA ROSA CARBALLO MIRANDA, WIFE OF MIGUEL DELGADO MARTINEZ (AMTRIGON-8)

08/11/62, memo from Stanley R. Zamka (David Morales) to A/COS: "It is hereby requested that Hilda Rose CARBALLO Miranda, wife of Miguel DELGADO Martinez (201-283995), who disembarked with the AMTRIGON-2 Team in Oriente Province on 13 May be authorized to receive the sum of $250.00 per month until further notice. DELGADO is presumed dead as the result of action between the AMTRIGON-2 Team and a Militia Patrol. In addition to his wife DELGADO left two children. 2. It is further requested that the monthly sum should be handled and mailed by AMBUD Organization through AMTIKI-1 to Mrs. DELGADO. It should be charged to the Hero and Martyr's Fund set up specifically for this purpose. 3. Mrs. DELGADO is currently residing at 1448 N.W., 7th Court, Apartment 3, Miami, Florida. 4. In the event AMBUD-1 desires information regarding DELGADO's death, he should be told that we have no details except that he was killed in action. No operational details should be revealed to him under any circumstances. 5. FYI: DELGADO was a member of the VILLARO Crew and clandestinely went aboard the infiltration rafts at the last minute to join the AMTRIGON Team. His absence was not discovered until the team had infiltrated and moved into its first position. APPROVED Stanley R. ZAMKA A/COS C/PM"

104-10172-10127: DISPATCH: PROGRESS REPORT 28 FEBRUARY 1963

03/15/63, dispatch from COS, JMWAVE to Chief, Special Affairs Staff: "3. AMDENIM-1 continued to handle AMTRIGON/2 during this period in the sense of holding him secure following his successful exfiltration from the target area. He served as a leg man and made a number of supporting contacts and investigations during the period which assisted AMDENIM/1 and the Station in their overall efforts. AMTRIGON/2 has now indicated a desire to return to the target area. His plans are being checked out"... Page 4: "12. AMTRIGON-2 is being queried on operational possibilities as a result of his voluntary expression of desire to return to action. He is being considered for use as a reconnaissance agent who could make short trips to the vicinity of prime targets to obtain requisite photography. This will involve considerable re-training and will be dependent upon his ability to learn maritime navigation well enough to get himself out of the target area if necessary."

104-10172-10122: DISPATCH: AMDENIM/1 PROGRESS REPORT 31 MAY 1963

06/28/63, dispatch from COS, JMWAVE to Chief, Special Affairs Staff: "4...AMTRIGON/2 is being held for use as a reconnaissance agent into Oriente as soon as acceptable infiltration point can be developed"... Page 4: ..."8. COSTS:...C. AMTRIGON/2's salary for three months @ $200 =$600"...

104-10172-10121: DISPATCH: PROGRESS REPORT 30 SEPTEMBER 1963

10/14/63, dispatch from COS, JMWAVE to Chief, Special Affairs Staff: "15...AMTRIGON-2 is currently being considered for inclusion with an Oriente Province team."

104-10229-10002: DISPATCH: TYPIC/AMBUD/OPERATIONAL AMTRIGON-8 (201-283995), AMBUD CASE #97

05/10/68, dispatch from COS, JMWAVE to Chief, Western Hemisphere Division: "1. AMTRIGON-8 was a member of the VILLARO crew. During May 1962 he clandestinely and without authorization boarded an infiltration craft moments before its departure on an operational mission. His absence was not discovered until the team had infiltrated and moved into its first position. 2. On 8 or 9 June 1962 the infiltration team, including AMTRIGON-8, became engaged in a firefight with a militia patrol. AMTRIGON-2, the team leader, reported that AMTRIGON-8 had been wounded and that he assumed AMTRIGON-8 was killed or perhaps captured. However, no further word has been heard from AMTRIGON-8 and he is presumed to be dead. 3. Taking into consideration that the disposition of this case could have an affect on the morale of the other crew members and their attitude toward WOFIRM, it was decided to advise the widow of AMTRIGON-8 that he died a hero's death while fighting for the liberation of his country and to continue monthly payments to the widow and children for an indefinite period. Inclusion of Subject's name on AMBUD Hero & Martyr rolls was deemed to be the most suitable and expeditious manner in which to handle such payments. 4. The response to paragraph 2 of reference will be the subject of a separate dispatch. Raymond K. PANUSES"

Contributors:
Gavin McDonald • Bill Simpich

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