Who Was Casimir Pulaski?

Casimir Pulaski was a great American hero – despite only living in America for two years and dying at the age of 34.!

His story is inspiring, and Americans should definitely remember his life!

Casimir Pulaski was born in Warsaw in 1745. He was the son of a Polish nobleman and patriot. Although raised in affluent circumstances, Casimir Pulaski chose a life of service rather than a life of comfort. He cut his excellent education short to join his father and other Polish patriots in fighting off Russian domination of their country.  He was a military veteran and a courageous Polish freedom fighter by the time he was the age of an average American high school student.  Just as patriots like Thomas Jefferson, Paul Revere,  George Washington and John Hancock put their lives on the line by supporting the American Revolution, Casimir Pulaski did the same thing in Poland. The two situations have some similarities. The Bar Confederation in Poland was an uprising against what they saw as a puppet government instilled by a foreign power. The patriot movement in America objected to British appointed government officials loyal to the crown in positions of authority in America. It is not an exact parallel, but an interesting one nonetheless.

 He bravely fought in many battles for the freedom of Poland. The Russians banned him. With his life in danger, he fled to France, where he was imprisoned for a time for being in debt. While in France, he met Benjamin Franklin. The sharp mind of Franklin immediately took to the intelligent, dedicated, and dashing Casimir Pulaski.  For his part, Casimir Pulaski was deeply impressed by the ideals of the American Revolution. Benjamin Franklin wrote to George Washington that Casimir Pulaski was: “an officer renowned throughout Europe for the courage and bravery he displayed in defense of his country’s freedom.”

Casimir Pulaski immediately departed for America and joined George Washington’s army just before the crucial Battle of Brandywine. Even before he received his commission, Casimir Pulaski led the fledgling American cavalry in a brilliant and courageous maneuver that helped save the day during an important battle. His courage and leadership helped save Washington’s army. Even the British were deeply impressed!

The Continental Congress rewarded him with a commission as a brigadier general and command of all American cavalry. He spent the long winter of  1777-78 at Valley Forge, resolutely training the cavalry.  He built them into an excellent fighting unit, much to the appreciation of Washington, who lacked Pulaski’s cavalry expertise.  Pulaski became controversial among some American officers, becoming a lightning rod for controversy as he had been in Poland. With Washington’s blessing, he formed an independent cavalry unit. Many men under him were foreign volunteers inspired by the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.

Casimir Pulaski and his men were sent to the South, To help break the British seizure of Charleston, South Carolina. Once again, his steady leadership and gallant actions were decisive in helping the American cause. He then went to Savannah to help recapture that city from the British. Operating under the command of a French officer, Casimir Pulaski, and the cavalry was ordered to attack the most heavily defended part of the British defenses.  Casimir Pulaski galloped forward when the attack faltered, trying to rally the troops. A British cannon shell killed him. His courage inspired the American forces.

The new American nation deeply mourned Pulaski’s death in America. When the Founders formed the new United States of America and the histories of the American Revolution were being written, his memory was immediately honored.

Casimir Pulaski  Was a hero in the battle for the rights of men in two countries on two continents. So significant was his contribution to our nation that he is one of only seven people ever granted honorary American citizenship!