Oskars Kalpaks facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Oskars Kalpaks
Oskars Kalpaks
Born	(1882-01-06)6 January 1882 Meirāni, Governorate of Livonia (present-day Indrāni parish, Lubāna municipality, Latvia)
Died	6 March 1919(1919-03-06) (aged 37) Airīte, Saldus District (present-day Zirņi parish, Saldus municipality, Latvia)
Allegiance	Imperial Russia Republic of Latvia
Service/branch	Imperial Russian Army National Armed Forces of Latvia
Years of service	18 January 1903 – 6 March 1919
Rank	Lieutenant Colonel (podpalkovnik), Russia Colonel, Latvia
Unit	183rd Pultusk Infantry Regiment 1st Latvian Independent Battalion ("Independence battalion")
Commands held	1st Latvian Independent Battalion
Battles/wars	First World War Latvian War of Independence
Awards	Cross of St. George, IV degree Order of St. Anna, IV degree Lacplesis Military Order, I Class (posthumously)

Oskars Kalpaks (6 January 1882–6 March 1919) was the commander of 1st Latvian Independent Battalion, also known as "Kalpaks Battalion".

Kalpaks was born in a farming family. Having decided to become a soldier he completed Irkutsk military school and then commenced service with the . He displayed talent as a commander and heroism in battle during the First World War and was awarded the most significant Russian military decorations and made Regiment Commander in 1917.

After the proclamation of Latvia's independence on 18 November 1918, Kalpaks enlisted with the Ministry of Defence. He organised the defence of Vidzeme against Bolshevik attacks. On 31 December Kalpaks became Commander-in-Chief of all the armed units at the disposal of the Provisional Government of Latvia.

Under his leadership, Latvia's first armed formations became battle capable. On 28 February 1919, Kalpaks was awarded the rank of Colonel. From January to March 1919 the 1st Latvian Battalion fought with the German VI Reserve Corps to repel the Bolshevik raids into Kurzeme and this was the start of Latvia's struggle for liberation. On 6 March 1919 near Airītes, by mistake, Kalpaks was killed in a skirmish with German Freikorps troops.

After his death, Kalpaks was posthumously awarded Latvia's highest military award, the Order of Lāčplēsis — first, second and third class.

Although never officially assigned to this rank or position, Kalpaks is regarded as the first Commander in Chief of Latvian Armed Forces.

Kalpaks was honored on Latvian stamps in 1937 and again in 2007.