Blas de Lezo was born on February 3, 1689, in Pasajes, Guipúzcoa, Spain. He came from a military family and began his naval career at a young age, serving in various conflicts and rising through the ranks of the Spanish Navy. Lezo distinguished himself in several battles throughout his career, earning a reputation as a skilled and fearless commander. One of the most notable episodes of his career occurred during the Battle of Cartagena de Indias in 1741. When the British fleet, under the command of Admiral Edward Vernon, launched a massive assault on the heavily fortified port city of Cartagena, Lezo was appointed as the overall commander of the Spanish defenses. Despite suffering from various health issues, including the loss of one eye, one arm, and one leg, Lezo displayed remarkable leadership and strategic acumen during the defense of Cartagena. Lezo's meticulous preparations and effective use of limited resources, combined with his bold and audacious tactics, inflicted heavy losses on the British forces and ultimately forced them to retreat. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Spanish defenders, under Lezo's command, successfully repelled the British invasion, securing a crucial victory for Spain. Although victorious, the battle took a toll on Lezo's health, and he succumbed to his injuries shortly after the conflict ended, dying on September 7, 1741. Despite his remarkable achievements, Blas de Lezo's legacy was somewhat overshadowed in Spanish history until later centuries when he began to receive greater recognition as one of Spain's greatest naval heroes. Today, he is remembered as a symbol of courage, resilience, and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. (Blas de Lezo lost his eye, arm, and leg in various battles throughout his military career. The specific details of each injury may vary in historical accounts, but they generally attest to his remarkable bravery and resilience.)
