Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov (16 September [O.S.

5 September] 1745 – 28 April [O.S.

16 April] 1813) is a Field Marshal of the Russian Empire.

He serves as one of the finest military officers and diplomats of Russia under the reign of three Romanov Tsars: Catherine II, Paul I and Alexander I.

His military career is closely associated with the rising period of Russia from the end of the 18th century to the beginning of the 19th century.

Kutuzov contributes much to the military history of Russia and is considered to have been one of the best Russian generals under the reign of Catherine II.

He takes part in the suppression of the Bar Confederation's uprising, in three of the Russo-Turkish Wars and in the Napoleonic War, including two major battles at Austerlitz and the battle of Borodino.

However, Kutuzov is credited most with his brilliant leadership during the French invasion of Russia.

Under Kutuzov's command, the Russian army stops the Grande Armée at the Battle of Borodino and then counterattacks, pushing the French out of the Russian homeland.

In recognition of this, Kutuzov is awarded the title of Prince of Smolensk.

A memorial is built at Moscow in 1973 to commemorate the 1812 war and Kutuzov's leadership.

An order of the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation is also named after him.

Kutuzov is highly regarded in the works of Russian and Soviet historians.