Omar Torrijos

Omar Efrain Torrijos Herrera (Feb 13, 1929 – July 31, 1981) was leader of Panama from 1968 to 1981, when he died in a plane crash. He is more commonly known as Omar Torrijos.

Maximum Leader Omar Torrijos
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Maximum Leader of the Panamanian Revolution
In office 1972 – July 31, 1981
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Position abolished
Military Leader of Panama
In office October 11, 1968 – July 31, 1981
President	José María Pinilla (1968–69) Demetrio Lakas Bahas (1969–78) Aristides Royo (1978–82)
Preceded by	Arnulfo Arias (President)
Succeeded by	Florencio Flores Aguilar
Personal details
Born	Omar Efraín Torrijos Herrera February 13, 1929 Santiago, Panama
Died	July 31, 1981(1981-07-31) (aged 52) near Penonomé, Panama
Political party	Democratic Revolutionary Party (1979–1981)

Torrijos was the Commander of the Military of Panama. Even though Panama had a President, Torrijos was the leader. He is best known for making a treaty to give Panama full control of the Panama Canal.

His son Martín Torrijos was elected president and served from 2004 to 2009.

Omar Torrijos Media

• Omar Torrijos (right) with farmers in the Panamanian countryside. The Torrijos government was well known for its policies of land redistribution.

• Jimmy Carter and General Omar Torrijos signing the Panama Canal Treaty.jpg

  President Carter shakes hands with General Torrijos of Panama after signing the Panama Canal Treaty.

• Order of Belize - ribbon bar.png

  Order of Belize - ribbon bar

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  Ribbon bar of the "Order José Martí"

• PER Order of the Sun of Peru - Grand Cross BAR.png

  PER Order of the Sun of Peru - Grand Cross BAR

• ESP Order of Civil Merit - Collar

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  Ribbon of Order of the Yugoslavian Great Star