Owner of great recognition in Brazil, including giving his name to neighborhoods, streets, squares, schools, hospitals, ships and one of the most traditional football teams in Santa Catarina, Clube Náutico Marcílio Dias de Itajaí, sailor Marsilio Diaz (1838-1865) his name will be entered in the book of heroes and heroines of the Fatherland, which is in Panteão da Pátria Tancredo Neves, located on Praça dos Três Poderes, in Brasilia.

The book contains entries of officially recognized heroes and heroines such as Tiradentes, Zumbi dos Palmares and Anita Garibaldi.

Paintings by Marsilio Diaz and the Battle of Riachuelo, which made him a national hero. Photo: Montage/Brazilian Navy/Disclosure

You can check the name of the laureate and a short biography, emphasizing the importance of this life for the country.

Law 14.471/22 was authorized by President Jair Bolsonaro and will name Marsilio Diaz in a book with steel pages.

The first black soldier to be recognized as a hero of the country, he was born in Rio Grande do Sul and distinguished himself in the battle of Riachuelo, considered the most important in the Paraguayan War.

The thin man, 1.65 meters tall, faced four Paraguayans in hand-to-hand combat; Soldiers of Solano López, according to historical sources, tried to capture the flag of Brazil.

Bust of sailor Marsilio Diaz in Dr. Hercilio Luz in Itajai – Photo: Leandro Lins/ND Disclosure

Even single-handedly, Marsilio Diaz killed two Paraguayans; then the one whose hand was cut off died the next day and was buried with military honors in the waters of the Parana River.

The author of the draft that led to the passage of the law that distinguished the sailor Marsilio Diaz was Deputy Sanderson (PL-RS).

Steel book with the heroes and heroines of the country, exhibited in Brasilia – Photo: Moises Nazario/Agência Senado/Divulgation ND

The text was approved by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate before it was signed by President Bolsonaro.

The National Archives records: “On the bloody deck, among other brave men, Marsilio Diaz fought hand to hand. When he lost his right hand, insensitive to pain, he wielded a saber with his left hand.

A hero worthy of many awards.