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Brazilian soldier is praised by General Osório as the “Black Hero”. Discover the story of the most feared warrior of the Brazilian Army in the Paraguayan War and his legacy of courage.
The most feared soldier in Brazil: Get ready to learn about one of the most incredible and inspiring stories of the Paraguayan War! Marcolino José Dias, the “Black Hero”, a soldier who earned his place as a legend in the Brazilian Army. Imagine facing dozens of enemies alone, storming a Paraguayan fort and, as if that weren’t enough, raising the flag of the Empire of Brazil at the top. That’s right, Marcolino did all of this, with a courage that seems like something out of a movie, but it really happened!
The biggest war in South America began in 1864, when the Paraguayan dictator Solano López decided to play big and seized the Brazilian ship Marquis of Olinda. Not satisfied, he invaded Mato Grosso, starting one of the bloodiest conflicts on the continent. And it was in this chaos that Marcolino José Dias' star shone. His story is not only about bravery, but also about resistance, determination and the leading role of black soldiers who marked an era. Want to know how he became the terror of the Paraguayans and a true symbol of heroism? Stay here and delve into the details of this epic journey that transformed a soldier into a legend!
Who was the Brazilian soldier praised by General Osório?
For an endless six years, the Empire of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay found themselves embroiled in a catastrophic war that would forever change South American history. The Paraguayan War, one of the greatest conflicts of the 19th century, witnessed heroic deeds by men and women. Unfortunately, many of these deeds have been forgotten, and worse, deliberately.
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The most feared soldier in the Brazilian army, Marcolino José Dias, who was praised by General Osório, was a victim of this oblivion. It is believed that he was born around 1830. He was also a slave, like his parents. His owners were the couple Manoel José Dias and Maria Angélica Dias. According to some sources, Marcolino gained his freedom around 1845.
Historiography indicates that Marcolino, despite being a black former slave, managed to pursue a military career in the army, becoming a Sergeant in the National Guard in Bahia. When the Paraguayan War broke out, Quirino Antônio do Espírito Santo, a veteran of the Bahian War of Independence, proposed the creation of a military company formed only by black volunteers.
The most feared soldier in the Brazilian army was part of the Bahian Zouavos
The company was named Zouavos Baianos and this name was a reference to the French infantry soldiers who served in Algeria and other Arab territories in the 19th and 20th centuries. In fact, the uniform of this company was the same as that of the French, with red bombacha pants, a blue jacket embroidered with gold braid and a small red cap.
According to studies, eleven companies of Zouaves gathered a total of 638 men and, among them was Marcolino, a Brazilian soldier called the Black Hero who assumed command of the 2nd regiment of the Bahian Zouaves.
These brave soldiers of the Brazilian army fought in important battles of the Paraguayan War, such as the “Battle of Uruguaiana”, “Battle of Avaí”, the capture of the “Fort of Itapiru”, the “Battle of Tuiuti” and the tragic “Battle of Curupaty”, where they were almost decimated.
But of all the battles of the Brazilian army, the most feared soldier entered the military history of the Empire of Brazil, exalted by General Osório, after his feat in the Battle of Curuzu.
Who was General Osório?
General Osório, whose full name was Manuel Luís Osório, is one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian military history. Born on May 10, 1808, in the city of Nossa Senhora da Conceição do Arroio, now Osório, in Rio Grande do Sul, he had a career marked by bravery, leadership and loyalty to his country. He joined the army when he was still young, actively participating in crucial moments in Brazilian history, such as the Cisplatine War, the Farroupilha Revolution and, later, the Platinum Wars.
However, it was during the Paraguayan War (1864-1870) that Osório cemented his legacy as one of the country's greatest military leaders. His fierce strategy and charisma made him an inspiration to the soldiers under his command, earning him the respect of both allies and adversaries.
Osório was known not only for his courage on the battlefield, but also for his humanity and concern for his subordinates, qualities that endeared him to the army. After his military career, he was honored with the title of Marquis of Herval in recognition of his services to Brazil.
His trajectory is a symbol of bravery and dedication to the nation, and he is revered to this day as a national hero and patron of the Brazilian Army cavalry.
The crucial act of the “Black Hero” to be exalted by General Osório
In the midst of the intense battle, gunshots and explosions, the Brazilian soldier, exalted by General Osório, climbed onto the back of one of his soldiers and jumped over the wall to the inside of the fort, where there were dozens of soldiers from the Paraguayan army.
The “Black Hero” started a physical fight with the Paraguayans, where he defeated them, took the Paraguayan flag from the fort and raised the Brazilian flag.
The heroic feat of the most feared soldier in the Brazilian army was honorably mentioned by the General Commander of the Brazilian Armed Forces, General Osório, as the “Black Hero”. His courage was reported in the press in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. In 1867, Marcolino went to serve in the 8th National Volunteer Corps. That year, he was also granted the honors of the rank of Captain of the Army and Ensign of the National Guard.
TNC, had to **** the **** out of history with this “black hero” seal!
This has become total bullshit!
Black is not an alien, ****!
I would agree with you, however, according to the text, this nickname comes from the time when racism as we understand it today did not yet exist.
So, please, let's fight for equality, but without exaggerating, like the **** said by the minister in relation to the “black hole”, which hinders more than it helps.
Persecution, racism, prejudice, that's what I experienced in the army.