Casimir Pulaski: 5 Facts on Chicago's Beloved Polish Hero

On March 12, the city of Chicago will celebrate all things Irish by dyeing the Chicago River green. But today is for the Polish.

The first Monday in March is Casimir Pulaski Day in Chicago, when schools and other government institutions are closed to honor a man who is a hero to both the Polish and Americans.

So who is Pulaski? Surge Desk has found out.

1. Polish war hero
From 1768 to 1771, Pulaski, who was born in Poland, fought against Russian and Prussian forces that were wielding enormous influence in Poland. But he was forced to leave Poland forever after being accused of plotting to assassinate the king of Poland.

2. Friend of Benjamin Franklin
After he fled Poland, Pulaski traveled to Turkey, then ended up in France. There, he came to know Benjamin Franklin and began to learn about the then-young American Revolutionary War. Pulaski, who had fought for Poland's independence, was impressed by what Franklin described and decided to volunteer to help the American rebels. Franklin recommended him to George Washington

3. Brilliant military tactician
Pulaski headed to America to help with the war effort, where he took part in several battles. In the 1777 battle of Brandywine, he is believed to have saved George Washington's life and uncovered a sneak attack by the British. His actions at Brandywine earned him a promotion to brigadier general. He was in charge of the first cavalry, giving him the nickname "Father of the American Cavalry."

4. Killed on the battlefield
Pulaski once said, "I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it." Indeed, he did die for it, falling in battle in Savannah, Ga., in 1779. He was struck by cannon fire while riding on a horse.

5. An honorary American citizen
In 2009, Pulaski became just the seventh person to posthumously receive honorary American citizenship. He joins William Penn and Penn's wife, fellow Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette, Winston Churchill, Mother Teresa and Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish man who helped save Jews during the Holocaust.

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