Harry Hill Bandholtz was an American general who played a significant role in Hungary’s history after World War I. He prevented Romanian troops from looting the Hungarian National Museum.
General Bandholtz served in the United States Army and was a member of the military mission sent to Hungary by the Allied Powers after World War I. On October 5, 1919, when Romanian troops occupied Budapest and attempted to loot the Hungarian National Museum, General Bandholtz intervened. General Bandholtz hurried to the scene and took a firm stand against the looting.
He personally guarded the entrance of the museum, using his authority and influence to prevent the looting. His memory is honored by a statue on Liberty Square in Budapest, which was erected in 1936. The statue depicts General Bandholtz standing with his riding whip, symbolizing his decisive action.
Photo by Peter Arold APEV Media
