MICHAEL KOVATS DE FABRICZY TRICENTENNIAL

2024 marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Michael Fabriczy Kováts“father of the US cavalry”. In celebration, the Karcag-based Michael Kováts Friendship Society (represented by Zoltán Pintér and László Örlős), the DC-based Kossuth Foundation (represented by Sándor Végh) and the Hungary Foundation (represented by Anna Smith Lacey) signed a cooperation agreement to preserve and promote his legacy in Hungary and in the US and form the Michael Kovats Memorial Committee. Colonel Kováts played a vital role in organizing and leading the American cavalry units in the southern theater of war, where the Americans were weakest. His British opponent even remarked that Kováts’ units were “the best cavalry the rebels ever had”. Kováts eventually gave his life for the cause of liberty, he died at the battle of Charleston, South Carolina on May 11, 1779. Through existing and new programs, the Hungary Foundation will increase awareness in the US of Kováts’ heroic example, and the historic roots of Hungarian-American military cooperation.

Kovats’ legacy is an inspiring example of heroism, perseverance, and commitment to liberty.

— Jimmy Carter 

A famous Hungarian to who American history owes so much.
— Ronald Reagan

Living and dying on his horse, an animal known for its strength and free spirit, Kováts exemplified the characteristics of the chargers who carried him into battle throughout his career: stamina, steadfastness, heart, and courage, an independent mind following the bugle call for “golden freedom.” — Renée Critcher Lyons

Because of their contributions to the American army and the sacrifices they made on the battlefields of Charleston and Savannah, Pułaski and Kováts remain enduring sources of pride for Americans of Polish and Hungarian descent.
— Ethan S Rafuse

“If there ever was a chapter for Hungarian Hussar officers in the imaginary golden book of famous military figures, Colonel Commandant Michael Kováts de Fabriczy would probably be included. This volume is a tribute to Mihály Kováts and to the earlier work of researchers who have explored his life. At the same time, it opens a window into the world of the 18th century Hussar officer, through which we can follow the logic of the times and the rise of an ambitious and talented warrior. No new scholarly volume on our hero has been published for nearly four decades. The improved accessibility of archives at home and abroad (Austrian, German, American) and the emergence of new research materials and sources have made it possible to expand the exploration of Kováts’ life.

Fabriczy Kovats Mihaly book

Dr Zoltán Árpád Pintér’s Book on Michael Fabriczy Kováts by Zrínyi Press

Product data

Cover: 244 pages
Size: 20 × 26 cm
Language: English and Hungarian
Binding: Hardcover
Author: Pintér Zoltán Árpád
ISBN 978 963 327 808 6
Year of publication 2021

 

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Michael Kovats Memorials Across the United States

Literature and Music

Books and Resources on the Life of Michael Kovats

BOOKS

ARTICLES

Events (Past and Upcoming)

Congressional Action

H.J.Res.435 – 96th Congress (1979-1980): A joint resolution designating November 30, 1979, as “Colonel Commandant Michael Kovats Memorial Day”. Contributor: House of Representatives – Biaggi, Mario – 96th Congress Date: 1979-10-30 H.J.Res.564 – 98th Congress (1983-1984): A joint resolution designating May 11, 1984, as “Colonel Commandant Michael Kovats Memorial Day”. Contributor: House of Representatives – Biaggi, Mario – 98th Congress Date: 1984-05-08 H.J.Res.298 – 97th Congress (1981-1982): A joint resolution designating May 11, 1982, as “Colonel Commandant Michael Kovats Memorial Day”. Contributor: House of Representatives – Biaggi, Mario – 97th Congress Date: 1981-07-01 H.J.Res.1040 – 94th Congress (1975-1976): A resolution to authorize the Committee for an American Hungarian Bicentennial Monument, Inc., to erect a monument in honor of the late Col. Michael Kovats de Farbrici … Contributor: House of Representatives – 94th Congress – Gude, Gilbert Date: 1976-08-02

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