General José de San Martín was an Argentine military leader and a key figure in the South American wars of independence. Born on February 25, 1778, in Yapeyú, he played a crucial role in liberating several countries from Spanish rule, including Argentina, Chile, and Peru. San Martín is often celebrated as a national hero in Argentina and is recognized for his strategic military skills and leadership. San Martín's most notable achievement was the Army of the Andes, which he led across the Andes Mountains to free Chile from Spanish control. He also collaborated with other independence leaders, such as Simón Bolívar, to secure freedom for South America. San Martín passed away on August 17, 1850, in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, leaving a lasting legacy in the region.