Rafael García Valiño facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rafael García Valiño
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| Birth name | Rafael García Valiño |
| Born | 24 October 1898 Colunga, Kingdom of Spain |
| Died | 29 June 1972 (aged 73) Madrid, Francoist Spain |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Spain Spanish Republic Nationalist Spain |
| Service/ |
 Spanish Army |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars | Rif War Spanish Civil War |
Rafael García Valiño (born October 24, 1898 – died June 29, 1972) was a Spanish army officer. He played a role in the Spanish Civil War, fighting for the side known as the Nationalists.
Early Life and Military Career
Rafael García Valiño was born in Toledo. When he was just fifteen years old, he joined the Infantry Academy to begin his military training.
In 1916, he became a lieutenant, which is a junior officer rank. He chose to serve in the Spanish Army of Africa in Morocco. During his time there, he was injured several times. Because of his brave actions in the field, he was promoted to major. In 1935, he continued his studies at the Superior Military School.
Role in the Spanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil War began unexpectedly while Rafael García Valiño was on vacation. He managed to cross into the area controlled by the Nationalists to join their army. He became part of the Nationalist Army of the North, which was led by Emilio Mola.
García Valiño commanded several units of soldiers known as Carlists. He led the First Navarrese Brigade during the campaign in the North of Spain. After being promoted to colonel, he took command of the First Division of Navarre.
His division fought in important battles, including the Battle of Teruel and the campaign in Aragon. In Aragon, his forces helped cut the Republican zone in two by reaching the Mediterranean Sea. He also commanded an army corps in the XYZ Line battle and the Battle of Ebro. Later, he participated in the offensive in Catalonia. He led the Maestrazgo Army during the final offensive of the Spanish Civil War.
After the Civil War
After the Spanish Civil War ended, Rafael García Valiño was appointed commander-in-chief of Melilla, a Spanish city in North Africa. In 1942, he became the Chief of Staff of the Army, a very important position.
In 1944, he was involved in fighting against an invasion of the Valle de Aran by a group called the Spanish Maquis. In 1947, he was promoted again to lieutenant general. He was then put in charge of the VII Military district.
From 1951 to 1956, he served as the High Commissioner of the Spanish protectorate in Morocco. In 1957, he became the director of the Superior School of the Army. Later, he was named commander-in-chief of the First Military district, a role he held until 1964.
See also
In Spanish: Rafael García Valiño para niños
