D’Amico Honors Polish War Hero During Street Renaming Ceremony

CHICAGO – State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, unveiled a new honorary street sign named after World War II hero and Polish General Wladyslaw Anders last weekend on Milwaukee Avenue.

“Gen. Anders means so much to the Polish community in our area, and I am proud that we were able to formally recognize him for his considerable accomplishments,” D’Amico said. “I would like to extend my gratitude to Niles Mayor Andy Przybylo, Gen. Anders’ daughter and Polish Sen. Anna Maria Anders, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, Ald. George Alpogianis and all the others who came out to honor Gen. Anders.”

Gen. Anders was born in 1892 in a town just west of Warsaw. He joined the newly formed Polish military in 1918 and attained the rank of general in 1934. During World War II, he was captured by the Soviet Union, but escaped to form the Polish 2nd Corps while in exile. The Polish 2nd Corps fought for the liberation of Italy and helped lead the successful campaign to free Monte Cassino in May of 1944. After the war, Gen. Anders moved to England, where he helped form an exiled Polish government while Poland remained under communist control. He spoke and wrote against the communist Polish regime until his death in 1970. Many of the men that he fought with are buried in the Maryhill Cemetery in Niles.