Leoncio Prado Gutierrez

(1853-1883)

Introduction :

He was born on August 26, 1853 and was educated with fighting conduct and
military life as evidenced by his early career from the age of 11

After his father Don Mariano Ignacio Prado took him to Lima to study first at the
Colegio Guadalupe and then at the Academia Miloitar Naval, Leoncio became a
Midshipman. At the age of thirteen he received the baptism of blood in the combat of
Abtao, and obtained the rank of Lieutenant with which he participated in the glorious
action of May 2, 1866.

These early experiences help to form an enterprising character that leads him to

adventure and at the age of 16 he finds himself exploring the jungles and rivers of the

region with various expeditions.

He fought for the Independence of Cuba from the Spanish colonial power in

1873. In 1876, under the command of 10 men, they reduced the crew of the Spanish

merchant ship "Monctezuma". After almost two months of persecution, on January 3,

1877 he is cornered by 3 Spanish armored vehicles, and before the eminence of his

capture he orders the ship to be set on fire and to throw himself together with his men

into the waters of the sea, escaping by swimming and entering the Honduran jungles.

On August 2, 1879, he returned to Lima bringing war material,

upon receiving the news of the declaration of war on Peru. On July 10,

1883 in the battle of Huamachuco, Colonel Leoncio Prado fell in the

heat of combat with his left knee shattered and managed to hide in a

humble hut. On July 13 the hero's hiding place is discovered, and on

July 15 his execution is ordered.