Enrique Franco Hidalgo
Chilean officer (1900–1988)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Enrique Franco Hidalgo (10 August 1900 – 5 January 1988) was a Chilean politician who served as a minister.[1]
Enrique Franco | |
|---|---|
| |
| Commanders-in-chief of the Chilean Army | |
| In office 11 June 1954 – 17 March 1955 | |
| President | Carlos Ibáñez del Campo |
| Preceded by | Carlos Mezzano |
| Succeeded by | Raúl Araya |
| Minister of National Defense | |
| In office 19 February 1955 – 25 February 1955 | |
| President | Carlos Ibáñez del Campo |
| Preceded by | Tobías Barros |
| Succeeded by | Tobías Barros |
| Minister of Finance | |
| In office 14 October 1953 – 5 June 1954 | |
| President | Carlos Ibáñez del Campo |
| Preceded by | Tobías Barros |
| Succeeded by | Jorge Prat |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 August 1900 |
| Died | 5 January 1988 (aged 87) |
| Education | Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins Military Academy |
| Profession | Officer |
Military career
He was born in San Fernando, Chile, on 10 August 1900.
In 1919, Franco served as a reserve officer candidate with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment Cazadores. He subsequently entered the Military Academy, graduating in 1920 as a second lieutenant of cavalry. He was then assigned to the 6th Cavalry Regiment Dragones.
In 1930, he was placed at the disposal of the Ministry of the Interior to serve as an instructor at the Carabineros School. After serving at the Cavalry School in 1935, he was selected to participate in an international show jumping competition held in New York City, United States.
In 1937 and 1940, he studied at the Chilean Army War Academy, subsequently qualifying as a staff officer and military instructor. In 1943, he served as professor of military geography at the academy.
Franco also served as aide to the Minister of National Defense and as director of equestrian sports of the Military Sports Federation. In 1945, he was appointed military attaché at the Chilean Embassy in France. Upon returning to Chile in 1947, he assumed command of the 8th Cavalry Regiment Exploradores. In 1951, holding the rank of colonel, he became director of the Cavalry School.
Promoted to brigadier general in 1952, he was given command of the II Army Division.
After serving as acting Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Army between July and August 1953, Franco Hidalgo was appointed in that office by President Carlos Ibáñez del Campo on 11 June 1954. He remained in command until his retirement on 17 March 1955.[2]
Franco died in Santiago, Chile, on 5 January 1988, aged 87.[2]