| Count Casimir Pulaski (1748-1779)...Father of the American Cavalry. Born of Polish nobility and a seasoned cavalry officer in the Russian & Prussian wars, Pulaski was convinced by Ben Franklin to support the colonies against England. Pulaski distinguished himself at Brandywine as a brilliant military tactician and Congress appointed him Brigadier General. In 1778 Congress approved the establishment of the Cavalry and put Pulaski at its head. Pulaski was killed at the battle of Savannah in 1779. |