Cavalry Hero

Book excerpt: Kazimierz Michal Władysław Wiktor Pulaski of Slepowron (English: Casimir Pulaski) (1745-1779), was a Polish nobleman, soldier and military commander who together with his counterpart Michael Kovats de Fabriczy has been hailed as “the father of the American cavalry”. Pulaski is remembered as a hero who fought for independence and freedom in both Poland and 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. Born in Warsaw in 1745, he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined 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 travelled 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 on October 11, 1779. In this fascinating biography about Casimir Pulaski, Dorothy Adams brings to life the story of someone with unquenched ideals, who, like herself, bridged the double patriotisms of Poland and America.