Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay (August 31, 1907 – March 17, 1957) was the seventh
President of the
Republic of the Philippines, serving from December 30, 1953 until his death in an
aircraft disaster. An automobile mechanic, Magsaysay was appointed military governor of Zambales after his outstanding service as a guerilla leader during the
Pacific War. He then served two terms as
Liberal Party congressman for
Zambales before being appointed as Secretary of National Defense by President
Elpidio Quirino. He was elected President under the banner of the
Nacionalista Party. He was the first Philippine President born during the 20th century.