Candelaria Pérez (1810 – 28 March 1870) was a Chilean soldier who served in the War of the Confederation (1836–39) against the Peru–Bolivian Confederation. She took up a rifle and fought alongside the troops she served with. She was considered the hero of the Battle of Yungay, during which she led an assault against the entrenched Confederate troops. She was given official recognition and the rank of sergeant after the battle.

She was made a commissioned officer before she left the army in 1840, with the rank of Alférez (translated as ensign).

Candelaria Pérez

References

1810 births

1870 deaths

Chilean Army officers

Chilean Army enlisted personnel

Chilean women

People of the War of the Confederation

Military personnel from Santiago

Women in 19th-century warfare

Women in war in South America

19th-century Chilean military personnel

Candelaria Pérez