(+) MARIO J. LAMAR (1931 - 2008)

(Datos Biograficos)

Commander Mario J. Lamar was born in Havana, Cuba.

While serving as Executive Officer of the Cuban Underwater Demolition Team, CDR Lamar defected from Castro’s Navy in a 24-foot cabin cruiser in October 1960.

He later joined the Cuban Brigade 2506 and in October 1961, participated in the Bay of Pigs invasion as Executive Officer of the ship Seagull.

He was commissioned in the U.S. Navy, graduated from the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning and graduated with distinction from Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island.

After serving in Vietnam, Lamar served as Operations Officer aboard USS Spiegel Grove (LSD-32). Staff Navigator with Commander, Second Fleet, and Navy Liasion Officer with SOUTHCOM Staff, Canal Zone.

Commander Lamar holds the Bronze Star with Combat V for heroic Achievement, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V for meritorius service, and the Cross of Gallantry from the Vietnamese government.