One of the most romantic figures in Philippine history and the youngest general in the Revolutionary Army, Gregorio del Pilar was born in San Jose, Bulacan on November 14, 1875.

Gregorio del Pilar is remembered as the "Hero of Tirad Pass". In this historic place, the young general fought and held back the strong invading Americans with only a handful of men, thus giving Aguinaldo ample time to escape the conquerors. It was a one-sided battle, but Gregorio del Pilar fought bravely. And he paid for this heroism with his life. He was shot and killed on that fateful day—December 2, 1899, commanding Aguinaldo's rear guard.

Before he died, he wrote, "I am surrounded by fearful odds that will overcome me and my gallant men, but I am pleased to die fighting for my beloved country". The American victors looted the corpse of the fallen general. They got his pistol, diary and personal papers, boots and silver spurs, coat and pants, a lady's handkerchief with the name "Dolores Jose" (his sweetheart), diamond rings, gold watch, shoulder straps, and a gold locket containing a woman's hair.

But a chivalric American officer, by way of redeeming his countrymen's vandalism, gave the late hero an honorable burial and called him "An Officer and a Gentleman" in an inscription on his tombstone.