Hero On Horseback: The Story Of Casimir Pulaski

Polish-born Casimir Pulaski was an expert soldier on horseback who helped win the American Revolution. After unsuccessfully trying to defend Poland against the Russians, he told Benjamin Franklin that he wanted to fight for freedom, no matter where. Franklin referred him to Gen. George Washington, who put him to use training cavalry units and teaching American soldiers his superior fighting skills.

Casimir was shot while leading a charge at Savannah, Georgia. He died on October 14, 1779, but his brave tactics, including surprise attacks on the British, had already made a difference in the war. General Washington called him a true hero.

David R. Collins, a high-school English teacher, is the author of more than sixty books, most of them biographies. He currently resides in Moline, Illinois.