Start EN - Casimir Pulaski Foundation (2024)

FAQs

How did Casimir Pulaski help the Continental Army? ›

On September 11, 1777, Casimir Pulaski rode into battle with the Continental Army, led a skillful counterattack to slow the British advance, and helped save George Washington's life.

One of the United States' first cavalry commanders, Pulaski brought organization and proper training to the Continentals, securing the titles of “The Father of American Cavalry” and “Soldier of Liberty.”

Pulaski Was given a Commission as Brigadier General and Chief of Cavalry in Command of All Cavalry of the American Forces. He Was Present at Germantown, Pennsylvania and Led His Legion at Haddonfield, New Jersey; Egg Harbor, New Jersey; Charleston, South Carolina; and Savannah, Georgia.

He distinguished himself throughout the revolution, most notably when he saved the life of George Washington. Pulaski became a general in the Continental Army, and he and his friend, Michael Kovats, created the Pulaski Cavalry Legion and reformed the American cavalry as a whole.

With no time to argue, Washington entrusted Pulaski with his own mounted guard, about thirty in number, and watched as the Polish volunteer led his band directly into the fray, delaying the British long enough for the Continentals to retreat and possibly saving Washington's life.

Polish (Pułaski): habitational name for someone from the Pułazie in Podlaskie Voivodeship. Americanized form of Polish Puławski: habitational name for someone from Puławy in Lublin Voivodeship. History: This name, borne by a Polish noble family, is recorded from the 17th century.

On September 15, 1777, the American congress promoted Pulaski to the rank of Brigadier General in command of cavalry. Pulaski quickly distinguished himself at Brandywine, where he covered the retreat of Washington's troops, preventing a total rout.

It was generally believed that he was buried at sea. A tradition persisted, however, that General Pulaski died at Greenwich plantation near Savannah and that he was buried there. When the monument here was under erection the grave at Greenwich was opened.

His close coordination with governors and state militias, his cooperative relations with Congress, and his professional attention to supplies, logistics, and training all contributed to the success of the Continental Army.

Andrzej Tadeusz Bonaventura Kościuszko (1746-1817), more commonly known as Thaddeus Kościuszko, was a Polish general, military engineer, and revolutionary. He fought in the American Revolutionary War, as well as an uprising in his home country.

Who turned the Continental Army into a more effective fighting force? ›

Significance: In winter of 1777, Steuben joined General Washington's troops at the Valley Forge encampment and put them through proper military training; creating a newer, more effective, and more professional Continental Army in the process.

Benedict Arnold (14 January 1741 [O.S. 3 January 1740] – June 14, 1801) was an American-born British military officer who served during the American Revolutionary War. He fought with distinction for the American Continental Army and rose to the rank of major general before defecting to the British in 1780.