Adolfas Ramanauskas-Vanagas (March 6, 1918 – November 29, 1957) was a prominent leader of the Lithuanian anti-Soviet partisan resistance. Born in New Britain, Connecticut, USA, to Lithuanian immigrants, he moved with his family back to Lithuania in 1921. Trained as a teacher and reserve officer, Ramanauskas became involved in the armed resistance against Soviet occupation after World War II, adopting the codename "Vanagas" (meaning "Hawk").
He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Commander-in-Chief of the Union of Lithuanian Freedom Fighters and a signatory of the 1949 Declaration asserting the continuity of Lithuania’s statehood. Ramanauskas led guerrilla operations against Soviet forces, striving to unify and organize partisan groups across southern Lithuania.
In 1956, he was betrayed, captured, and brutally tortured by Soviet authorities. He was executed in Vilnius on November 29, 1957. His remains were discovered and reburied with state honors at Antakalnis Cemetery in 2018. Ramanauskas is widely regarded in Lithuania as a national hero and symbol of resistance
