Félix Arenas Gaspar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Félix Arenas Gaspar
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Capt. Gaspar and Demetrio O'Daly are the only Puerto Ricans to be awarded the Cruz Laureada de San Fernando
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| Born | December 13, 1891 San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Died | July 29, 1921 (aged 29) Tistutin, Morocco |
| Allegiance | Spain |
| Service/ |
Spanish Army |
| Years of service | 1906–1921 |
| Rank | Captain of Engineers |
| Commands held | 2nd Company of Zapadores in Melilla |
| Battles/wars | Rif War
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| Awards | Cruz Laureada de San Fernando (Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand) |
Captain Félix Arenas Gaspar (born December 13, 1891 – died July 29, 1921) was a brave Puerto Rican soldier. He was a captain in the Spanish Army. He received Spain's highest military award, the Cruz Laureada de San Fernando, after he died. This award was given for his heroic actions during the Rif War.
The Cruz Laureada de San Fernando is a very special medal. It is the highest military award given by the Spanish government. It goes to members of the Spanish armed forces who show great bravery in battle. It is like the American Medal of Honor.
Contents
Early Life
Félix Arenas Gaspar was born in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. At that time, Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony. His father, Félix Arenas Gaspar, Sr., was also a captain in the army. He was part of an artillery division stationed on the island.
After the Spanish–American War ended in 1898, Puerto Rico became part of the United States. Because of this, Félix's family moved to Spain. They settled in Molina de Aragón, where his family was originally from. There, he went to school and completed his early education.
Joining the Military
In 1906, Félix Arenas Gaspar joined the Military Academy of Engineers in Guadalajara, Spain. He studied hard and graduated in 1911. He became a lieutenant of engineers in the Spanish Army.
He was then assigned to the Aerostation Service. This group worked with balloons. In 1913, he earned his Balloon Pilot Badge. This meant he could fly balloons.
Serving in North Africa
In October 1913, Félix was sent to the Aerostation Company in Tetuan. This was in North Africa. He was involved in fighting there.
From 1914 to 1917, he went to the Superior School of War. During this time, in 1915, he was promoted. He became a Captain of Engineers. In 1919, Captain Arenas Gaspar was given command of the 2nd Company of Zapadores. This unit was in Melilla. Melilla is a Spanish city located on the coast of Morocco.
The Rif War and Heroism
In 1919, a rebellion started in Spanish Morocco. This area was controlled by Spain. The rebellion was called the Rif War. In July 1921, many Spanish military bases were taken by the Riffian rebels. This was part of a big defeat known as the disaster of Annual.
Captain Arenas Gaspar and another officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ugarte, headed towards Dar Dríus. On their way, they met Spanish soldiers retreating from Dar Dríus. These soldiers told them the path was blocked. Captain Arenas Gaspar joined them. Many of these soldiers were wounded. They all headed towards Monte Arruit.
After helping the wounded, Captain Arenas Gaspar decided to go to Tistutin. He wanted to defend the Spanish position there. He also wanted to fix the telegraph service to Monte Arruit, which had stopped working.
A Brave Stand
Captain Arenas Gaspar's position was constantly attacked by the enemy. On the nights of July 25 and 26, he made a brave decision. He left his safe area to set fire to enemy haystacks. These haystacks were used by the enemy for protection. Another captain, Captain Aguirre, and a group of riflemen helped him. They provided cover fire while he carried out his dangerous mission.
During this action, one of the gasoline tanks he was carrying exploded. Captain Arenas Gaspar was badly burned. But before that, he managed to kill ten enemy fighters.
On July 29, the Spanish troops were ordered to retreat. They had to go to the main fort at Monte Arruit. Captain Arenas Gaspar volunteered to stay behind. He wanted to cover their retreat. Captain Aguirre and 200 men stayed with him. They fought the enemy until the Spanish troops were safely inside Monte Arruit.
Then, Captain Arenas Gaspar and his men found themselves surrounded. They were greatly outnumbered by the Riffians. They kept fighting bravely. Finally, Captain Arenas Gaspar ordered Captain Aguirre and the remaining survivors to reach Monte Arruit. He decided to stay behind and cover their escape.
Captain Arenas Gaspar took control of an artillery gun. He fired at the enemy, stopping their advance. This allowed his men to reach Monte Arruit safely. Sadly, one of the Riffians got close enough to him. He shot Captain Arenas Gaspar in the head, killing him.
Highest Honor: Cruz Laureada
Many officers saw Captain Arenas Gaspar's heroic actions. They asked that he be given the Cruz Laureada de San Fernando after his death. In 1924, Captain Félix Arenas Gaspar was officially awarded this high honor. It is the highest military decoration given by the Spanish government.
Remembering Félix Arenas Gaspar
On July 5, 1928, King Alfonso XIII of Spain honored Captain Félix Arenas Gaspar. He unveiled a statue of him. A street in Molina de Aragón was also named after him. In 1956, the city of Guadalajara also named a street in his honor. In Melilla, Morocco, a military base called Capitán Arenas was named after him. He is also mentioned in a book called Who's Who in Ballooning.
See also
In Spanish: Félix Arenas Gaspar para niños
- List of Puerto Ricans
- List of Puerto Rican military personnel
