Viktor Puskar facts for kids
Viktor Puskar was an important Estonian military leader, known as a Colonel, who played a big part in the Estonian War of Independence. He was born on 7 May 1889 in Viljandi and passed away on 12 April 1943 in Tartu. He received the Cross of Liberty, which is a very high award for bravery.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
Viktor Puskar started his military journey by studying at the Vilnius Military Academy. He finished his training there in 1911. This education prepared him for a long and important career in the military.
World War I and Estonian Units
Puskar took part in World War I. In 1917, he joined the special Estonian national units. These units were formed to help protect Estonia's interests during the large global conflict.
Role in the Estonian War of Independence
When the Estonian War of Independence began in 1918, Viktor Puskar quickly became a key figure.
Leading the Defence League
At the start of the war, he was the leader of the Järvamaa branch of the Estonian Defence League. This group was made up of volunteers who helped defend their country.
Commander of the 2nd Division
In December 1918, Puskar was promoted to commander of the 2nd Division. This was a very important role in the Estonian army.
Major Victories in the War
During the war, Viktor Puskar achieved several important victories. He successfully defended the southern parts of Estonia. He also helped push the Red Army out of northern Latvia. One of his notable achievements was capturing the city of Pskov. These actions were crucial for Estonia to gain its independence.
Life After the War
After the Estonian War of Independence ended in 1920, Viktor Puskar decided to retire from the military. He chose a different path and became a farmer. He also became involved with a political group called the Vaps Movement. He faced some challenges during this time, including being held in jail from 1936 to 1937. In 1941, he traveled to Germany. He returned to Estonia after the Red Army had left the area. Viktor Puskar died in Tartu in 1943.
See also
- Estonian War of Independence
