History of an Unknown Soldier

The book recounts the life of Luis Martínez Delgado, a Spanish military officer. He entered the Infantry Academy of Toledo in 1913 and participated in the campaigns in Morocco, where he stood out for his bravery in frontline operations, even venturing into enemy territory to pursue deserters. Later, he transferred to the Military Intervention Corps, although his true vocation was flying, so in 1920 he requested to join the Military Aeronautics. After training as a pilot and rising to the rank of captain, he also served as an instructor. He was shot down in 1923 but survived thanks to support from ground forces. In 1924, he set national records for flight duration and distance. Promoted to Squadron Leader in 1928, a 1931 decree removed him from aerial command because he came from an auxiliary corps. In 1936, he reported administrative irregularities in Ifni, which earned him enemies. Unfounded accusations stalled his career as an aviator. He was progressively marginalized, and in 1942, while stationed in Larache (Marruecos), he mysteriously disappeared.