Pulaski Could Become Honorary United States Citizen

Brigadier General Kazimierz Pulaski has moved closer to being granted honorary posthumous American citizenship. The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the resolution rewarding Pulaski for his service during the American Revolutionary War.

Pulaski first fought for the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth against Russia, before emigrating to the U.S. to fight against the British on behalf of the colonists. He is known as the “Father of the American Cavalry”, and fought at Brandywine and Charleston, South Carolina, among others, before being mortally wounded at the battle of Savannah, Georgia on 11 October 1779, at the age of 34.

Benjamin Franklin recommended George Washington to accept Pulaski as a volunteer, and Pulaski later rewarded the decision by saving Washington’s life at Brandywine in 1777. After the battle, Pulaski was promoted by Washington to the rank of Brigadier General of the cavalry. He went on to form the Pulaski Cavalry Legion in 1779.

After the passing of the resolution, New York Congressman Brian Higgins said, “General Pulaski was a brave and selfless patriot to not one, but two great nations and this is a long overdue and fitting recognition for his sacrifice”.

The resolution also coincides with 11 October, which is Pulaski Day in the U.S.

Only six other individuals have been granted honorary American citizenship. They include Mother Teresa, Winston Churchill, and the French General La Fayette.