Silvestras Žukauskas: Difference between revisions
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== Lithuanian Wars of Independence == |
== Lithuanian Wars of Independence == |
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Upon Lithuania regaining its independence in 1918, Žukauskas returned home to Lithuania and started building and organizing the [[Lithuanian Armed Forces]]. Between April 26, 1919 and May 27, 1919 Žukauskas served as the Chief of [[Staff (military)|General Staff]].<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Lietuvos Respublikos Krašto Apsaugos Ministerija | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.kam.lt/index.php/lt/94966/ | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2008-05-23 | language = }}</ref> During that time he organized a defense against the [[Bolsheviks]]. On May 7, 1919 he was also appointed as the Supreme Commander of Lithuanian army (served until |
Upon Lithuania regaining its independence in 1918, Žukauskas returned home to Lithuania and started building and organizing the [[Lithuanian Armed Forces]]. Between April 26, 1919 and May 27, 1919 Žukauskas served as the Chief of [[Staff (military)|General Staff]].<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Lietuvos Respublikos Krašto Apsaugos Ministerija | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.kam.lt/index.php/lt/94966/ | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2008-05-23 | language = }}</ref> During that time he organized a defense against the [[Bolsheviks]]. On May 7, 1919 he was also appointed as the Supreme Commander of Lithuanian army (served until September 24), at the time also acting as Chief of General Staff. Under Žukauskas' direct command the Kurkliai–Panevėžys operation was planned. During its implementation, [[Ukmergė]] and [[Panevėžys]] were liberated from Bolshevik control. After this operation Žukauskas established the military [[Order (decoration)|Order]] ''Už tėvynę'' (For the Homeland), later renamed the Vytis cross on February 3, 1920 and the [[Order of the Cross of Vytis]] on September 1, 1930. At first it was awarded as a ribbon, without a medal. |
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On May 26 – June 6, 1919 the Lithuanian offensive continued during the planned Kupiškis–Utena operation, and the towns of [[Biržai]], [[Nemunėlio Radviliškis]], [[Utena, Lithuania|Utena]] were liberated. Bolshevik forces retreated from [[Kupiškis]] fearing encirclement. The offensive continued as [[Obeliai]] was captured. The Lithuanian army halted when it reached the [[Daugava River]], and then joined the Lithuanian army's main forces and took on the [[Bermontians]] invading northern Lithuania. |
On May 26 – June 6, 1919 the Lithuanian offensive continued during the planned Kupiškis–Utena operation, and the towns of [[Biržai]], [[Nemunėlio Radviliškis]], [[Utena, Lithuania|Utena]] were liberated. Bolshevik forces retreated from [[Kupiškis]] fearing encirclement. The offensive continued as [[Obeliai]] was captured. The Lithuanian army halted when it reached the [[Daugava River]], and then joined the Lithuanian army's main forces and took on the [[Bermontians]] invading northern Lithuania. |
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Revision as of 21:54, 27 December 2009
Silvestras Žukauskas | |
|---|---|
 General Slvestras Žukauskas in Lithuanian uniform | |
| Service/ | Russian Empire Army and Lithuanian Armed Forces |
| Years of service | 1881–1918 (Russian Empire), 1918–1928 (Lithuania) |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | Supreme Commander of Lithuanian army |
| Awards | Great cross of the Order of the Cross of Vytis (1919) |
Silvestras Žukauskas (December 31, 1860 in Poškiečiai-Dovainiškiai, near Pakruojis – November 26, 1937 in Kaunas), was a general in the Russian army, and later in his native Lithuania, after it regained its independence in 1918.
Biography
After graduating from the secondary school in Marijampolė, Žukauskas studied at the military academy in Vilnius. In 1881, he enlisted in a cavalry unit of the Russian Empire. In 1898 he married German Jozephine Hasdorf and converted to Lutheranism, because this helped him pursuing his career. Žukauskas participated in the Russo-Japanese War and advanced through the ranks. In 1912 he was promoted to Colonel. He held a command in World War I, and for the defense of Šiauliai, was awarded the golden sabre.[1] In 1916 he attained the rank of Major-General.
Lithuanian Wars of Independence
Upon Lithuania regaining its independence in 1918, Žukauskas returned home to Lithuania and started building and organizing the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Between April 26, 1919 and May 27, 1919 Žukauskas served as the Chief of General Staff.[2] During that time he organized a defense against the Bolsheviks. On May 7, 1919 he was also appointed as the Supreme Commander of Lithuanian army (served until September 24), at the time also acting as Chief of General Staff. Under Žukauskas' direct command the Kurkliai–Panevėžys operation was planned. During its implementation, Ukmergė and Panevėžys were liberated from Bolshevik control. After this operation Žukauskas established the military Order Už tėvynę (For the Homeland), later renamed the Vytis cross on February 3, 1920 and the Order of the Cross of Vytis on September 1, 1930. At first it was awarded as a ribbon, without a medal.
On May 26 – June 6, 1919 the Lithuanian offensive continued during the planned Kupiškis–Utena operation, and the towns of Biržai, Nemunėlio Radviliškis, Utena were liberated. Bolshevik forces retreated from Kupiškis fearing encirclement. The offensive continued as Obeliai was captured. The Lithuanian army halted when it reached the Daugava River, and then joined the Lithuanian army's main forces and took on the Bermontians invading northern Lithuania.
After short rest on February 23, 1920 he was again named Supreme Commander of the Lithuanian army but resigned on June 14, 1920. When the war with Poland erupted on October 8, 1920 he again became Supreme Commander of the Lithuanian army until his resignation on May 29, 1921, upon the end of hostilities.
After the fights he resigned from military service and started working as nominal executive of American Lithuanians company, that was building car garages and gas stations, started bus transportation, initiated power plant near Šiauliai.
Starting June 5, 1923 and until January 25, 1928 Žukauskas served as the Supreme Commander of Lithuanian army once again.
Silvestras Žukauskas died 1937, and is buried in Kaunas' Lutheran cemetery.
Awards
- 1919 Great cross of the Order of the Cross of Vytis
References
- ^ "Knygos „Generolas Silvestras Žukauskas" pristatymas". Krašto apsaugos ministerija (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 2008-05-24.
- ^ "Lietuvos Respublikos Krašto Apsaugos Ministerija". Retrieved 2008-05-23.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help)
Further reading
- Template:Lt icon Jonas Aničas, Generolas Silvestras Žukauskas (1861-1937), Lietuvos Respublikos krašto apsaugos ministerija, 2006, Vilnius, p.293, ISBN 9986-738-76-8