Pulaski was a Polish patriot and American Revolutionary War hero born in Warsaw, Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, now known as Warsaw, Poland, March 6, 1745, who was known as the “Father of the American Cavalry."
Following a recommendation by Benjamin Franklin, Pulaski traveled to North America to help in the American Revolutionary War. He distinguished himself throughout the revolution, most notably when he saved the life of George Washington at the battle of Brandywine.
When the Continental Army troops began to yield, he reconnoitered with Washington's bodyguard of about 30 men and reported that the enemy were endeavoring to cut off the line of retreat. Washington ordered him to collect as many as possible of the scattered troops who came his way and employ them according to his discretion to secure the retreat of the army. His subsequent charge averted a disastrous defeat of the Continental Army cavalry, earning him fame in America and saving the life of George Washington.
By August 1778, Pulaski formed a corps of 68 lancers and 200 light infantry, which became known as Pulaski’s Legion. The "Father of the American Cavalry" demanded much of his men and trained them in tested cavalry tactics.
On October 11, 1779, while attempting to rally fleeing French forces during a cavalry charge, Pulaski was mortally wounded by grapeshot in Thunderbolt, Georgia.
In March 1825, during his grand tour of the United States, Lafayette personally laid the cornerstone for the Casimir Pulaski Monument in Savannah, Georgia.