Constantin Cristescu

Constantin Cristescu (2 December 1866 — 9 May 1923) was a Romanian lieutenant general during World War I, and Chief of Staff of the Romanian Army.

Biography Early life He was born on 2 December 1866 in Pădureți village, in Argeș County. He attended the gymnasium in Pitești and the School for Sons of Military in Craiova. In 1887 he graduated first in his class from the Infantry and Cavalry Officers School in Bucharest, with the rank of second lieutenant. Cristescu pursued his studies at the École Polytechnique in Paris in 1890, the School of Artillery and Engineering Application of Fontainebleau in 1892, and the Superior School of War in Paris in 1894. He continued to lead the 1st Army Mărășești until 11 August, when he was succeeded by General Eremia Grigorescu.

In 1918 Cristescu was promoted to Lieutenant General. He served for a second time as Chief of the General Staff from 1 April to 28 October 1918. during which time he coordinated the organization of the new national Army of Greater Romania. He died on 9 May 1923 in Bucharest, and was buried at Bellu Cemetery, in the same city.

Awards Officer of the Order of the Star of Romania (1904) Officer of the Order of the Crown (Romania, 1909) Order of Bene Merenti of the Royal House, 1st class (Romania, 1910) Grand officer of the Order of Franz Joseph (Austria-Hungary) Grand officer of the Order of St. Sava (Serbia, 1913)

Legacy In Bucharest, Pitești, and Slatina streets are named General Constantin Cristescu after him. Also, schools in Bogați and Lunca Corbului bear his name.