Agustín Arturo Prat Chacón

Maximum Naval Hero of the Pacific War
1848-1879

Originally from Ñuble, he had a difficult childhood with his family; however, he excelled as an excellent student in school. At the age of 10, he entered the Naval School as a Cadet, being part of the ‘Course of Heroes,’ alongside those who later became prominent figures in the Pacific War.

He had a distinguished career as an officer, noted for noble actions in various dangerous circumstances. By the time he held the rank of Corbeta Captain, while fulfilling his duties as an officer, he studied law at the University of Chile, where he was an outstanding student, passing his final exam with distinction. He always had a highly developed social sensitivity, which led him to serve the most needy as well as to engage in literacy and civic education efforts.

He served in Uruguay and Argentina as a confidential special agent due to the boundary disputes in the Santa Cruz River. However, his legacy will forever be remembered for the courage he displayed during the heroic event on Wednesday, May 21, 1879, when he gave his life in the Naval Combat of Iquique, serving as an example for Chileans of faithful duty and bravery.

SOURCE: Chilean Navy