D’Amico Works to Rename Section of Milwaukee Ave. to Honor Polish War Hero

CHICAGO – Recently, State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, passed a resolution in the House that designated a part of Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago after Polish General Wladyslaw Anders, a hero from WWII.

“General Anders is a very influential Polish figure that has a strong connection to Niles,” D’Amico said. “I am proud we were to honor an important figure that is regarded so highly in our community.”

General 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 WWII, he was captured by the Soviet Union, but escaped to form the Polish 2^nd Corps in exile. The Polish 2^nd Corps fought for the liberation of Italy in 1944 and led the successful campaign to free Monte Casino in May of 1944. However, after the war, General Anders remained in England, and formed the Polish government in exile. He spoke and wrote against the communist Polish government until his death in 1970. Many of the men that he fought with are buried in the Maryhill Cemetary in Niles.

“I was eager to help when Mayor Pryzbolo of Niles approached me and Rep. McAuliffe with the idea to rename the street,” D’Amico said. “This was a team effort and I would like to thank them both for their help in getting this resolution passed.”

For more information, contact D’Amico’s full-time constituent service office at 773-736-0218 or johnd@ilga.gov.