Agustín Muñoz Grandes was born in January 27, 1896 to storeowners in the Carabanchel district of Madrid. After graduating from the Toledo Infantry Academy in 1913, he served with distinction in Morocco, leading irregular native units as well as Spanish troops. He took part in the suppression of the Asturias Miners Revolt in 1934 and took command of the 4th Navarra Brigade early in the Spanish Civil War. Promoted brigadier general, he led the Moroccan Corps through the rest of the war. After the war, he served in cabinet posts and as military governor of the Gibraltar zone, in the grade of major general. Named first commander of the Spanish Volunteer Division, he led it through its first campaign until late 1942. He returned to Spain a celebrity and served on Franco's personal cabinet. In 1945 he became captain general of the I Military Region and then Defence Minister in 1950. Promoted to the grade of captain general [shared only with Franco himself at that point] he was named vice president of the government in 1962 and served as heir apparent to the Caudillo. His death on July 11, 1970, contributed to the eventual decision by Franco for a restoration of the monarchy as a successor regime.
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