Gergely Pongrátz

Gergely Pongrátz ("in Hungarian:" Pongrátz Gergely) (Szamosújvár, 1932- Kiskunmajsa, 2005) was a freedom fighter during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.

Combat

Gergely Pongrátz was the commander of the strongest point of resistance, the Corvin Alley (Corvin köz), between 1 November to 9 November. Under his command, the Corvin alley fighters destroyed at least a dozen Soviet tanks, and resisted several attack waves. Afterwards, Pongrátz escaped and lived in American exile until 1991.

Politics

Following his return from exile, Pongrátz often raised his voice against the leftist governments. He founded a new right-wing nationalist political party, Jobbik Magyarországért Mozgalom (Movement for a Better Hungary), which is still active today. In addition to this, Pongrátz was also the president of Magyarok Világszövetsége (World Association of Hungarians).

Museum

Pongrátz Gergely founded the first museum of the 1956 revolution in 1991. It was closed in 1995 after the local authorities wished to use the building for a different purpose. Pongrátz then purchased and renovated an old school building in Kiskunmajsa and turned it into the only museum of the 1956 Revolution that exists in Hungary.

Death

Pongrátz Gergely died on the yard of the museum, after suffering a heart attack. Several high-ranking state officials, including the President of the Republic of Hungary, were present at his funeral.

External links

* [http://gportal.hu/gindex.php?pg=5006917 Hungarian website dedicated to Pongrátz Gergely]