José Correia Pinto Ribeiro, nome de guerre "Carnaval" was a native of the former Portuguese Colony of Guinea Bissau. Carnaval became a parabat serving with the Portuguese Paras in Guinea with the rank of Sergeant. José Ribeiro went on to make a name for himself as an exceptional Para in Guinea. When his former OC in Guinea, Colonel Costa Campos formed the GEPs (Grupos Especiais Pára - Quedistas) "Special Para Groups" in Moçambique, he arranged for a transfer for Sgt José Ribeiro to join the GEPs in that former Portuguese territory. In Moçambique while serving with the GEPs, Sgt Ribeiro became a specialist in Pseudo insurgent operations, where he and his men operated on the terrain as "insurgents".

Shortly after the Portuguese Revolution of 1974, José Ribeiro joined the South African Defence Force. Ribeiro completed the Special Forces selection course and became an Operator with 1 Recce. In South Africa Carnaval was known to his friends and colleagues as Robbie Ribeiro.

During Operation Savannah, Robbie was deployed into Angola on deep special operations as part of a Special Forces team. On their return to South West Africa, Roxo, Robbie, Mourão and Soeiro remained with the group of Angolans they fought in Angola with, and 32 Battalion was formed.

Sgt Robbie Ribeiro was recommended for the HONORIS CRUX decoration for bravery and excellent leadership under combat by Col J Breytenbach, but sadly the decoration was not approved.

Robbie Ribeiro was killed on the 25th August 1976, while evacuating battle casualties to a hospital in South West Africa. Robbie's brother also served with the SADF, and as Robbie was also tragically killed while serving for his newly adopted country.

Sgt Robbie Ribeiro was awarded the PRO PATRIA medal with the Cunene clasp and the SOUTHERN AFRICA medal.

Robbie Ribeiro left behind his wife and his daughter Carla.