Heróis de barro (nos bastidores do front): memórias de Petrônio Rebuá Alves Corrêa

Abstract

The unpublished writings of Petrônio Rebuá Alves Corrêa, from Mato Grosso, graduated in the first classes of History at UFMS/CPTL, ex-combatant of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, are memories riddled with critical analysis of governmental and military decisions that directly involved Brazil in the Second World War. Great War, the military hierarchy and the organization/unpreparedness of the Brazilian Army. They also bring a sharp look at the ills and traumas between the civilian population and Brazilian squares. Traumatic memories, such as misery, hunger, mutilations and deaths among civilians, as well as neurosis, waiting, confinement, mutilation and death among the Brazilian military. These are the basis of the narrative of other ex-combatants who have published records of memories. One of the differences noted in Rebuá's writings is the way in which the author places himself in the narrated events. In general, in the memories of Brazil's participation in World War II, ex-combatants place themselves as observers when events are not dignified. Rebuá poses as a participant, sometimes as a protagonist, including in traumatic events, such as the violence committed against the civilian population of Italy, especially women. The subjectivity of the author-soldier, who died in 2002, inserts the reader into the battlefields of Italy, in the cities, towns and homes of the Italian population in the context of the Second World War.