[Wmshyrga]

La Legion Extranjera in the Dominican Republic was organized by Trujillo in the 50's when Elvis was at its heyday(Sorry, he still is decades after his death..his latest CD is the best selling in the world).

Its main location was in a dirt road just outside of Loma de Cabrera and about 15 miles from where Antonio De La Maza(now a hero) the terror of the border had his lumber mills. By the way, just about that time someone by the name of Fernandito Villalona was born in Loma de Cabrera. Hundreds of children were born out of marriages and wedlock with legionnaires in the town, of course.

The local regular army post in Loma had its own separate fort with a lieutenant in charge. But the heart, soul and power of the border town was the legion. There were several companies and they were the size of a whole brigade(several thousand) under the command of Colonel Carlos Maria Paulino Asiatico. They were in large wooden barracks neatly organized, landscaped and self-maintained. They always wore camouflage, except for activities. Their main weapon was the legendary Mauser Rifle and the Cristobal machinegun built in DR by Trujillo. During their time the Haitians stopped crossing the border. They were absolutely afraid of this highly skilled group. They could have taken over Haiti in hours if they wanted to.

The legion was later disbanded and they were merged into the different armed forces and the police. believe it or not, a corporal scribe from the legion went on to become Chief of Police. Another,Lieutenant Miguel Calderon became an aide to Caamaño during the revolution. The key staff of the legion went on to take many important army posts.

TW