Kazimierz Pulaski
| Casimir Pulaski | |
|---|---|
A painting of Casimir Pulaski, by Jan Styka.
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| Native name | Kazimierz Pułaski |
| Born |
March 4, 1745 or March 6, 1745 Warsaw, Poland |
| Died | October 11, 1779 (aged 34) Savannah, Georgia, United States |
| Buried at | Monterey Square, Savannah |
| Allegiance |
Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth United States |
| Service/branch |
Army of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth Continental Army |
| Years of service | 1762–1779 |
| Rank | U.S. Brigadier General |
| Unit | Pulaski's Legion |
| Battles/wars | War of the Bar Confederation, American Revolutionary War (Siege of Savannah) |
| Signature |  |
Kazimierz Michał Władysław Wiktor Pułaski of Ślepowron (Polish pronunciation: [kaˈʑimʲɛʂ puˈwaskʲi]; English: Casimir Pulaski; March 4 or March 6, 1745 – October 11, 1779) was a Polish nobleman, soldier and military commander who has been called with his Hungarian friend Michael Kovats de Fabriczy "the fathers of the American cavalry".
Born in Warsaw and following in his father's footsteps, he became interested in politics at an early age and soon became involved in the military and the revolutionary affairs in Poland (the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth). Pulaski was one of the leading military commanders for the Bar Confederation and fought against Russian domination of the Commonwealth. When this uprising failed, he was driven into exile. Following a recommendation by Benjamin Franklin, Pulaski emigrated to North America to help in the cause of the American Revolutionary War. He distinguished himself throughout the revolution, most notably when he saved the life of George Washington. Pulaski became a general in the Continental Army, created the Pulaski Cavalry Legion and reformed the American cavalry as a whole. At the Battle of Savannah, while leading a daring charge against British forces, he was gravely wounded, and died shortly thereafter.
Pulaski has been remembered as a hero who fought for independence and freedom both in Poland and in the United States. Numerous places and events are named in his honor, and he is commemorated by many works of art. Pulaski is one of only eight people to be awarded honorary United States citizenship. He never married and had no descendants. Despite his fame, there have been uncertainties and controversies surrounding both his place and date of birth and burial.
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