Origins & Early Life

Michael Kovats de Fabriczy (often simply Michael Kovats; Hungarian: Kováts Mihály; 1724 – May 11, 1779) was a Hungarian nobleman and cavalry officer who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, in which he was killed in action. General Casimir Pulaski and Kovats are together known as the "Founding Fathers of the US Cavalry". Kovats was born Michael Kovats de Keszi et Kaal (Hungarian: Keszi és Kaal Kováts Mihály) in Karcag, Hungary. In English historical records his family name is sometimes spelled "Kowatz" or "Kowatsch".

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He later assumed the toponymic 'de Fabriczy' (also spelled Fabriczi or Fabriczki in Hungarian and Fabricy in English). A nobleman, he became an officer in the Hungarian cavalry under Maria Theresa. He later became captain in the Prussian Cavalry, serving under Frederick the Great and earning the highest distinction in the Prussian Army, the Pour le Mérite. He married Franciska, daughter of nobleman Sigismund Merse de Szinye (Szinye Merse Zsigmond), with whom he had one son, George (György). Their son died at a young age and the two later separated.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1777, after learning about the American...

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