Gregorio del Pilar was one of the youngest generals in the Philippine-American War. The 24 year-old "boy general" led a 60-man Filipino rearguard in Tirad Pass and was later killed after being shot in the neck. He was also responsible for the short victory over Major Bell in the Battle of Quingua, in which his forces repelled a cavalry charge, and killed the highly decorated Colonel Stotsenberg along with six other cavalrymen.

A diary belonging to del Pilar was later recovered by the Americans. Its poignant final entry, written on the night of 1 December, read:

"The General has given me the pick of all the men that can be spared and ordered me to defend the Pass. I realize what a terrible task has been given me. And yet I feel that this is the most glorious moment of my life. What I do is done for my beloved country. No sacrifice can be too great."