Famous Polish War Heroes You've Never Heard Of

Whether in their homeland, Europe or the United States, Polish war heroes have distinguished themselves throughout history. Unfortunately, little is known about many of these brave individuals. Here are the remarkable stories of a few of Poland's greatest war heroes you've probably never heard about. (You can read more about Polish war heroes in Gerald Kochan’s blog, here.)

Tadeusz Kosciuszko: American Revolution War Commander and Humanitarian

Tadeusz Kosciuszko, a hero of the American Revolution and friend of Thomas Jefferson, was born into a modest family in a village now known as Belarus sometime in February 1746. He was a gifted military studies student who attended the Royal Military Academy of Warsaw. He received further military training in France before returning to Poland in 1774. He only stayed in Poland for two years, however. In 1776 he left Poland to offer his services to the U.S. against Great Britain in the American Revolution. A military architect specialist, Kosciuszko joined the war and became a colonel in the Continental Army. He both designed and oversaw construction of military fortifications, including West Point. It was his defensive strategy for General Horatio Gates at Saratoga that won him well-earned respect, however. By the end of the war, Kosciuszko was promoted to brigadier general, awarded a medal and attained U.S. citizenship.

In 1776, Kosciuszko read the Declaration of Independence and was so impressed he sought to meet with principal author, Thomas Jefferson. The two became friends and maintained a more than 20-year long correspondence, until Kosciuszko's death in 1817.

Casimir Pulaski: American Revolution Freedom Fighter

Born in Warsaw, Poland in March 1745, Casimir Pulaski was 15 when he joined his father in opposing Prussian and Russian interference in Poland's concerns. Outlawed for his actions, Pulaski traveled to Paris where a chance meeting with Benjamin Franklin changed his life. Franklin encouraged the skilled young officer to join the fight for freedom in America. Upon arriving in Philadelphia in 1777, Pulaski met with General George Washington and subsequently distinguished himself on the battlefield. Pulaski was appointed head of the newly formed Cavalry in 1778. He was mortally wounded in a battle at Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, and died a hero Oct. 15, 1779.

Witold Pilecki: Willingly Captured and Sent to Auschwitz

Polish soldier Witold Pilecki fought in Poland's defense during WW II and joined the underground. He allowed himself to be captured with the goal of organizing an inside camp resistance movement and gather intelligence for the Allies. Pilecki became Auschwitz death camp prisoner No. 4859 and spent from September 1943 to April 1943 in the infamous concentration camp. He organized a resistance network with the camp and sent messages to outside leaders. His messages, now called the Pilecki Reports, were some of the world's first detailed records of concentration camp atrocities.

Pilecki escaped Auschwitz in 1943 after almost two and a half years. He participated in the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. Sadly, Pilecki was arrested by the Stalinist secret police in 1947 after the communist takeover. He was charged with working for "foreign imperialism" and executed in 1948. The sacrifices Pilecki made during the war and after were kept secret until 1989.

Henryk Slawik: Saved Thousands from Nazi Oppression

Henryk Slawik fought in defense of Poland in 1939, was captured and subsequently escaped from a Hungarian prisoner of war camp. Slawik led the Citizen's Committee to Aid Polish Refugees in Budapest and it was here that he provided Polish Jews with false documents confirming Aryan roots. He also helped establish an orphanage for children who in reality were Jewish orphans. Slawik disguised the orphans' identities by initiating frequent visits from Catholic Church authorities.

In March 1944, the Nazis took over Hungary, forcing Slawik to go underground. He ordered refugees under his command to leave. The orphanage was also evacuated. The Germans arrested Slawik March 19, 1944. He was tortured, sent to Gusen concentration camp and hanged Aug. 23, 1944. He is credited with saving the lives of 30,000 Poles, both Jews and gentiles.

Jan Karski: Polish Diplomat and Intelligence Gatherer

Jan Karski was born Jan Kozielewski  in Poland in 1914. Karski fought in the defense of Poland in September 1939 and was taken prisoner. While being transported aboard a train to a POW camp, Karski escaped and traveled to Warsaw. He joined the Polish resistance movement and made several secret courier missions between Poland and the exiled Polish government in the West. He infiltrated the Warsaw Ghetto and Izbica transit camp to gather intelligence about Nazi rule and its effects on European Jews. Karski met with U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden and other officials to present his findings.

After the war, Karski became a U.S. citizen. He taught at Georgetown University for 40 years. He died in 2000. Keeping his legacy alive, biographer and friend Waldemar Piasecki established the Jan Karski Society.