Rafael Boban
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| Rafael Boban | |
|---|---|
| Born | 22 December 1907 Sovići, Grude, Austria-Hungary |
| Died | After 1951 Unknown |
| Allegiance |  Independent State of Croatia (1941-1945) United States of America (1950s) |
| Service/branch | Ustaše United States Army |
| Years of service | 1941-1945 1951-unknown |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | Black Legion |
| Battles/wars |
Velebit Rebellion
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Rafael "Ranko" Boban (born December 22, 1907 - after 1951) was a member of the Croatian World War II Ustaše regime, and the commander of the Black Legion.
Boban was born in Sovići near Grude. He emigrated from Yugoslavia in 1932 and it was at this time that he met and joined Ante Pavelić. He returned to Croatia that same year and took part in the unsuccessful Velebit Rebellion.
After the death of Jure Francetić, Boban became the sole commander of the Black Legion.
Closer to the war's end he was a Domobran general as well. At the end of World War II, Boban joined Croatian guerrilla, the Crusaders and remained there fighting until 1950, when he retreated to Austria and joined US Army after which he fought in Korean War as a small unit tactics instructor. In Korea Boban lost his right arm. Ante Pavelić named him Commander of Armed Forces in exile in 1951. Everything after 1951 is unknown about him. According to Croatian historian Zdravko Dizdar Boban survived Korean War and after retirement from the US Army he moved to Ireland. Other claim he was killed in Korea.
Boban was awarded the honorary title Vitez ("knight") and the title is often included with his name.
A street in downtown of Grude was named after him.
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