The Hungarian nobleman who built the American cavalry from the ground up

History · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Michael Kovats de Fabriczy, a veteran of Frederick the Great’s Prussian army, arrived in America in 1777 to offer his sword to the revolution. Alongside Casimir Pulaski, he transformed a ragtag group of soldiers into a disciplined hussar force, earning the title of a founding father of the U.S. Cavalry.

Born in Karcag, Hungary, in 1724, Michael Kovats de Fabriczy was a seasoned cavalry officer who had already earned the Pour le Mérite, Prussia's highest military distinction. After learning of the American Revolution, he contacted Benjamin Franklin in France to offer his services. By 1778, he had joined Casimir Pulaski, who was struggling to command a poorly trained Continental cavalry. Recognizing Kovats's expertise, Pulaski successfully lobbied George Washington to allow the Hungarian to organize and train a specialized hussar division.

Kovats was named colonel commandant of Pulaski’s Legion on April 18, 1778. He immediately set to work, training 330 men in the rigorous traditions of Hungarian hussars. His influence extended beyond tactics; recent research suggests he instructed the Moravian Lutheran Sisters in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to create the legion's banner using the red, white, and green colors of the Hungarian flag. This symbol reflected both his heritage and the enduring friendship between Hungarian and Polish cultures.

The legion's journey was fraught with hardship. During a grueling march to South Carolina in early 1779, smallpox decimated the ranks, leaving only 150 of the original 330 soldiers. Despite these losses, the unit remained a formidable force. On May 11, 1779, during the Siege of Charleston, Kovats was killed in action while leading his men against British troops. His impact was such that even his opponents, including Brigade Major Skelly, praised the unit as the finest cavalry the rebels had ever fielded.

Today, Kovats is remembered for his motto, 'Most Faithful unto Death,' which serves as the creed of the American Hungarian Federation. His legacy persists in Charleston, where he is honored at The Citadel, and through the historical recognition of his role in shaping American military history. He remains a central figure in the narrative of foreign officers who were instrumental in the success of the American War for Independence.

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