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András Hadik
András Hadik
(1710–1790)

András Hadik remains a figure of enduring interest and admiration, as evidenced by the release of a Hungarian historical adventure film about his life in 2023. Hadik's legacy as a soldier in the army of Queen Maria Theresa continues to be revered by Hungarians, with his equestrian statue prominently displayed in Budapest, specifically in front of the Buda Castle. While András Hadik may be more widely recognized among Hungarians than Slovaks, his roots trace back to Turóc County, a region with a predominantly Slovak population. Despite being born in an area where Hungarians were the majority, Hadik's ancestral ties to Slovakia are acknowledged by some Slovak articles and opinions. Hadik's enduring fame rests largely on his actions during the Seven Years' War, which raged across Europe from 1756 to 1763. Notably, he carried out the infamous hussar deed, during this conflict. When King Frederick II of Prussia launched an attack on Berlin in Hadik's absence, the hussar swiftly responded by executing a daring manoeuvre, ultimately preventing the capture of the city. Although Berlin was not taken, King Frederick was compelled to pay a substantial sum of money. Queen Maria Theresa herself recognized and commended Hadik for his heroic actions during this pivotal moment in European history.