The soldier José Francisco de San Martín, born in the Argentinian town of Yapeyú in 1778, took an important part against the Napoleonic army due to his involvement in the Battle of Bailén.
The “Father of the Nation” as he will come to be known in Argentina, fought in the African crusade, in varied military actions in the south of Spain, in Gibraltar and in Cádiz, until in 1808 he got promoted, becoming the Captain of the Borbón regiment. He would become Lieutenant Colonel shortly after, due to his involvement in the Battle of Bailén, in addition earning himself a decoration with the gold medal.
In 1812, San Martín departed towards Buenos Aires, where he was tasked with the creation of the Grenadier Cavalry Regiment, which now carries his name. Later, he was entrusted with the leadership of the Northern Army, where he concocted his plan for the South American emancipation.
After being named Governor of Cuyo, based in the city of Mendoza he put his plan into motion, declaring Perú’s Independence in 1821. Shortly after he would meet Simón Bolívar in Guayaquil, and after a brief interview San Martín relinquished his army and the goal of finishing the liberation of Perú over to him. San Martín departed back towards Europe, where he passed away the 17th of August of 1850.
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