Jose Abelardo Quinones Gonzales Military pilot, national hero of Peru. Date of Birth: 22.04.1914 Country: Peru

Biography of Jose Abelardo Quiñones Gonzalez

Jose Abelardo Quiñones Gonzalez was a military pilot and national hero of Peru. He was born in the province of Puerto de Pimentel to his father, Maria Quiñones Arisola, and his mother, Maria Juana Rosa Gonzalez. After completing school, he enrolled in San Jose College in Chiclayo, where the director of the institution, Karl Weiss, encouraged his interest in gliders. In 1928, he moved to Lima at the request of his parents and completed his education at the National College of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In 1935, he joined the Jorge Chavez Central School of Aviation.

At the aviation school, Quiñones Gonzalez displayed an exceptional ability to adapt to different piloting techniques. Four years later, he was promoted to the rank of junior lieutenant and began his military service on January 21, 1939.

In 1941, the Peruvian-Ecuadorian War broke out. On July 23, 1941, the 41st Squadron took off from Tumbes to carry out their mission, led by Captain Antonio Alberti. Alongside Quiñones Gonzalez, the squadron included Fernando Parauda and Manuel Rivera. Following orders, Quiñones Gonzalez found himself under heavy anti-aircraft fire. His plane and himself caught fire. Showing courage and heroism, Quiñones Gonzalez chose not to eject with a parachute but directed his plane towards an Ecuadorian anti-aircraft battery, sacrificing his life to accomplish the mission.

In Peru, Quiñones Gonzalez was immediately recognized as a national hero. A nationwide admiration for the hero began, and various objects were named in his honor. For example, the international airport in Chiclayo was named after Quiñones Gonzalez. Several monuments and memorial complexes have also been erected in his honor. His portrait is featured on the 10 new soles banknote in Peru.

The remains of Quiñones Gonzalez were handed over to Peruvian authorities by Colonel Octavio Ochoa of the Ecuadorian army on October 19, 1941, solidifying his status as a revered national hero.