Casimir Pulaski (Kazimierz Pułaski)

Kazimierz Pułaski (1745–1779) was a Polish nobleman and military commander celebrated as the 'Father of the American Cavalry'. A heroic veteran of the Bar Confederation who fought against Russian domination of Poland, Pulaski was recruited for the American Revolutionary cause in Paris by Benjamin Franklin, arriving in Massachusetts in July 1777.

At the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777, Pulaski led a daring reconnaissance cavalry counter-charge that delayed British forces and prevented the capture or death of General George Washington and the destruction of the retreating Continental Army. Commissioned as Brigadier General and 'Commander of the Horse', he formed the elite independent Pulaski Cavalry Legion. During the Franco-American Siege of Savannah in October 1779, Pulaski led a desperate cavalry assault against British redoubts, was struck down by grapeshot, and died two days later aboard ship.