Herman Marks

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Herman Marks was an American who participated in the Cuban Revolution, first as a member of Che Guevara's guerilla unit in the Sierra Maestra, and then later as a firing squad captain. Little is known about Marks, but it is generally agreed upon that he was originally from Milwaukee; a veteran of the Korean War; had fled legal difficulties in the United States; was initially removed by Guevara for displaying sociopathic tendencies, but then given a job as an executioner post-revolution in the Cabaña fortress in Havana, and finally left Cuba, whereabouts unknown. Javier Arzuaga, was a Basque chaplain who gave comfort and solace to those sentenced to death knew Marks as "The Butcher."

He was remembered by colleagues as a socially awkward loner who enjoyed violence, particularly the execution of captured enemy combatants.