Which Polish cavalry officer died fighting for American independence?

Casimir Pulaski was the Polish cavalry officer who died fighting for American independence.

Pulaski came to North America in 1777 after gaining military experience opposing Russian influence in Poland. Recommended by Benjamin Franklin, he joined the American cause and quickly distinguished himself at the Battle of Brandywine. Congress appointed him a brigadier general and commander of its cavalry.

Pulaski later organized Pulaski's Legion, a mixed unit of cavalry and infantry that served in the southern theater. He helped defend Charleston in 1779, then joined the Franco-American effort to recapture Savannah, Georgia, from the British. On October 9, 1779, he was mortally wounded by grapeshot while leading a cavalry charge.

Pulaski was carried aboard the ship Wasp, where he died two days later. He is remembered as the father of American cavalry and as a rare figure who fought for liberty in both Poland and the United States. Tadeusz Kościuszko was another famous Polish volunteer, but he survived the Revolution.