Sánchez Hernández, Fidel

Sánchez Hernández, Fidel (fēdĕl` sän`chĕth ārnän`dās), 1917–2003, president of El Salvador (1967–72). An army general, he served as minister of interior under President Julio Rivera. As president, he named a largely civilian cabinet and continued Rivera's progressive programs. He faced new economic difficulties, however, after the brief but serious war with Honduras in July, 1969. Sanchez directed military operations of the war from the field, with considerable success; after a cease-fire was arranged by the Organization of American States, he withdrew his troops from Honduras despite opposition from many of his military leaders. Sanchez was succeeded by his hand-picked successor, Col. Arturo Armando Molina.