 | You can helpexpand this article with text translated fromthe corresponding article in Romanian. (December 2017)Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
Constantin Prezan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 25th and 28th Chief of the Romanian General Staff | |
| In office 5 December 1916 – 1 April 1918 | |
| Monarch | Ferdinand I |
| Prime Minister | Ion I. C. Brătianu Alexandru Averescu Alexandru Marghiloman |
| Preceded by | Dumitru Iliescu |
| Succeeded by | Constantin Cristescu |
| In office 28 October 1918 – 20 March 1920 | |
| Monarch | Ferdinand I |
| Prime Minister | Constantin Coandă Ion I. C. Brătianu Artur Văitoianu Alexandru Vaida-Voevod Alexandru Averescu |
| Preceded by | Constantin Cristescu |
| Succeeded by | Constantin Cristescu |
| Member of the Crown Council | |
| In office 30 March 1938 – 6 September 1940 | |
| Monarch | Carol II |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1861-01-27)27 January 1861 |
| Died | 27 August 1943(1943-08-27) (aged 82) |
| Resting place | Schinetea,Vaslui County |
| Alma mater | École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr |
| Awards | Legion of Honour, Grand Officer Order of Michael the Brave, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Romania |
| Branch/service | Romanian Army |
| Years of service | 1883–1920 |
| Rank | Marshal |
| Commands | Fourth Army |
| Battles/wars | |
Constantin Prezan (January 27, 1861 – August 27, 1943) was aRomaniangeneral duringWorld War I. In 1930 he was given the honorary title ofMarshal of Romania, as a recognition of his merits during his command of theNorthern Army and of the General Staff.
Besides his participation in World War I, he also took part in theSecond Balkan War and the 1918–1920 military operations for safeguarding theGreat Union. He avoided getting actively involved in politics, although he had a series of political titles, which were rather honorary in nature. For instance, he held the title of senator by right, based on his high rank in the army, and that of member of theCrown Council of Romania.
He was born in the village of Sterianul de Mijloc, plasa Snagov,Ilfov County, currently inButimanu commune,Dâmbovița County. He graduated from the officers' infantry and cavalry school inBucharest and theÉcole spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr. Made a second lieutenant in 1880, he rose to captain in 1887. A military engineering specialist, he took part in theSecond Balkan War.[1]
General Prezan commanded the4th Army Corps in 1915-1916, and then became head of theRomanian Fourth Army during theRomanian Campaign later in 1916, against the forces of theCentral Powers. Prezan led theRomanian Armed Forces in theBattle of Bucharest (November–December 1916), and as those forces retreated into the northeastern part ofRomania (Moldavia). In July and August 1917, Prezan, who was by thenChief of the General Staff (and assisted by the then-Lieutenant-ColonelIon Antonescu) successfully stopped the German invasion led by Field MarshalAugust von Mackensen. He continued serving in this position until 1920.
Documents found in military archives have brought to light Prezan's role in creating the Romanian National State. In October 1916, Prezan was rewarded with theOrder of Michael the Brave, Third Class for deeds of merit, courage, and devotion. In July 1917, when he commanded the General Army Quarters, Prezan was honoured with the Order of Michael the Brave, Second Class.
During theHungarian–Romanian War (November 1918–March 1920), Prezan led the Romanian Armed Forces in the battles ofBessarabia,Bukovina, andTransylvania. For his outstanding service,KingFerdinand I awarded him in February 1920 the Order of Michael the Brave, First Class. Prezan was promoted to Marshal of Romania in 1930.
In 1917 Prezan was awarded theLegion of Honour, Grand Officer.[2] He was also awarded theOrder of the Cross of Takovo and a number of other decorations.[3]
In 1920 he was moved to themilitary reserve force, and spent most of his time at his villa inSchinetea,Vaslui County. He died în 1943 in Bucharest, and was buried at his residence in Schinetea. A majorboulevard in Bucharest (running fromArcul de Triumf toCharles de Gaulle Square) is named after him.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
