Silvestras Žukauskas

Silvestras Žukauskas (December 31 st 1860 in Poškiečiai-Dovainiškiai, near Pakruojis - November 26, 1937 m. in Kaunas) – Russian Empire and Lithuanian general.

Biography

Žukauskas finished Marijampolė Gymnasium. 1881 joined Russian Empire army cavalry, and studied in Vilnius military school. 1898 he married German Jozephine Hasdorf, and converted to Lutheranism, because this helped him pursuing his career. Žukauskas participated in Russo-Japanese War and advanced through ranks in 1812 reaching colonel rank. He also participated in World War I, and in 1916 received Major-General rank.

Lithuanian independence wars

In 1918 Žukauskas returned to Lithuania and started organizing Lithuanian Armed Forces. April 26, 1919 - May 27, 1919 Chief of [[Staff (military)|General Staff]]. During the time he started preparing for fights with Bolsheviks. Beginning May 7, 1919 he was also appointed as a Supreme Commander of Lithuanian army (until September 24), at the time also acting as Chief of General Staff. Under Žukauskas' direct command Kurkliai-Panevėžys operation was planed. During the operation Ukmergė and Panevėžys was liberated from Bolshevik forces. After this operation Žukauskas established military Order Už tėvynę (For Homeland), that February 3rd 1920 was renamed Vytis cross, and September 1, 1930 Order of the Cross of Vytis.

May 26 -June 6 1919 offensive continued during planed Kupiškis-Utena operation, and towns Biržai, Nemunėlio Radviliškis, Utena were liberated, and Bolshevik forces retreated from Kupiškis fearing encirclement. Offensive continued and Obeliai was taken, and Lithuanian army reached Daugava River, and stopped. Lithuanian army main forces took on Bermontians.

After short rest in February 23, 1920 he was again assigned a Supreme Commander of Lithuanian army and resigned June 14. As the war with Poland erupted on October 8th, 1920 he was once again assigned as Supreme Commander of Lithuanian army and resigned after the fights were over in May 29, 1921.

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 5th, 1923 and until January 25 1928 Supreme Commander of Lithuanian army again.

Silvestras Žukausks is burried in Kaunas Lutheran graveyard.

Awards

• 1919 Great cross of the Order of the Cross of Vytis