Carlos Fuentes Rabe

Carlos Fuentes Rabe (2 July 1887 – 17 May 1974) was a Chilean Army general who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Army from December 1938 to August 1940.

Early life

Fuentes was born in Santiago, Chile, on 2 July 1887, the son of Exequiel Fuentes Villarroel and Julia Guillermina Rabe Koster. He married Clara Reyé Labarthe, with whom he had three children: Carlos, Clara and Exequiel.

Military career

In 1902, Fuentes entered the Military Academy as a cadet. He graduated four years later as a second lieutenant of artillery and was assigned to the 5th Horse Artillery Regiment General Maturana. After a year, he was transferred to the 4th Artillery Regiment Miraflores.

In 1911, Fuentes was promoted to captain and assigned to the 3rd Artillery Group General Aldunate. The following year, he returned to the General Maturana Regiment. He was subsequently selected for a military mission to the German Empire, where he undertook further professional training.

After returning to Chile, Fuentes attended the Chilean Army War Academy between 1916 and 1918 and subsequently served with the Army General Staff. Two years later, he was again sent abroad to pursue advanced military studies in France.

In 1924, after completing twenty years of military service, Fuentes was reassigned to the Army General Staff. During this period, he also taught at the Chilean Army War Academy and the Military Academy.

Fuentes later assumed command of the 2nd Artillery Group Maturana and was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He continued teaching at the War Academy and also served as secretary of the Inspectorate General.

In 1930, Fuentes was appointed military attaché to the Chilean Embassy in Lima, Peru. Upon his return to Chile, he was promoted to colonel and served as acting chief of the Army General Staff.

After his promotion to brigadier general, Fuentes was appointed director of Army Personnel and completed an Advanced Military Studies Course. He attained the rank of major general in 1937 and was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Army the following year.

During his tenure as commander-in-chief, the Chilean Army played a significant role in relief and reconstruction efforts following the earthquake of January 1939, as well as in maintaining public order in the affected areas.

Fuentes retired from the Chilean Army on 23 August 1940.

Honours

During his military career, Fuentes received several foreign decorations, including honours conferred by the governments of France, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador.

Fuentes died in Santiago, Chile, on 17 May 1974, aged 86.