Demetrio O'Daly
Demetrio O'Daly | |
|---|---|
O'Daly was the first Puerto Rican to reach the rank of Field Marshal in the Spanish Army. | |
| Born | January 26, 1780 San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Died | 1837 Madrid, Spain |
| Allegiance | Spanish Army |
| Rank | Field Marshal |
| Commands | Military Governor of Cartagena, Spain |
| Battles / wars | Peninsular War |
| Awards | Cruz Laureada de San Fernando |
Field Marshal Demetrio O'Daly (January 26, 1780 – 1837) was the first Puerto Rican to attain the rank of Field Marshal in the Spanish Army. He was awarded the Cruz Cruz Laureada de San Fernando (Laureate Cross of Saint Fernando), the highest military decoration bestowed by the Spanish government. O'Daly also served as a delegate representing Puerto Rico in the Spanish Courts. Notable among his contributions was the introduction of a bill to the Spanish legislature that established free commercial trade and public education in Puerto Rico.