 |
Bela KiralyHungarian military leader, historian
Date of Birth: 14.04.1912
Country:  Hungary |
Content:
- Bela Kiraly: A Hungarian Military Leader and Historian
- Ascendance in the Post-War Period
- Arrest and Imprisonment
- Leadership in the 1956 Revolution
- Exile and Return
- Rehabilitation and Recognition
Bela Kiraly: A Hungarian Military Leader and Historian
Early Life and CareerBela Kiraly was born into a family of modest means and joined the Hungarian military in 1935. He graduated from the prestigious Ludovika Military Academy on a scholarship and went on to attend the Academy of the General Staff in 1942.
Throughout World War II, Kiraly served in various capacities, including artillery and infantry roles. He actively participated in the rescue of Ukrainian Jews, for which he was later honored by Yad Vashem as a "Righteous Among the Nations."
Ascendance in the Post-War Period
After the war, Kiraly joined the Communist Party and rapidly advanced through the ranks of the Hungarian military. His promotion may have been influenced by his early membership, when the party was not as politically influential.
By 1950, Kiraly had become Director of the Military Academy and held senior positions within the armed forces. He was awarded several military decorations for his service.
Arrest and Imprisonment
In 1951, Kiraly was arrested and sentenced to death on charges of espionage. His sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. He spent several years in prison before being released in 1956.
Leadership in the 1956 Revolution
Upon his release, Kiraly played a pivotal role as a military leader in the Hungarian Revolution against the Soviet-backed regime. He co-chaired the Revolutionary Armed Forces Committee and served as military commandant of Budapest.
As commander of the National Guard, Kiraly organized armed resistance against Soviet troops. However, his efforts were hindered by internal divisions and a lack of support from the military.
Exile and Return
After the revolution was crushed, Kiraly fled to Austria and was sentenced to death in absentia for his role. He was stripped of his Hungarian citizenship and lived in exile.
In the United States, Kiraly founded several organizations dedicated to the Hungarian cause and continued his work as a historian. He received a doctorate in history from Columbia University and became a professor of military history at Brooklyn College.
Rehabilitation and Recognition
Following the collapse of communism in Hungary, Kiraly was rehabilitated and reinstated as a general. He returned to his homeland and served as a member of the Hungarian Parliament and an advisor to the government.
Kiraly's contributions to Hungarian history and military scholarship were widely recognized. He received honorary doctorates, prestigious scientific awards, and membership in the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. His legacy as a military leader and historian continues to inspire Hungarians to this day.
