American pilots fighting in Polish Air Force!

[tony6]

For all of You who don't know this story-American pilots fought with Russians in Polish Air Force in 1920.
Some of them died. Some of them were awarded Virtuti Military cross - the highest military medal in Poland.
Some photos:
Albatros from mixed American-Polish Kosciuszko Squadron (this unit was found by American volunteers)
http://www1.gazeta.pl/im/1763/z1763366G.jpg
Kosiuszko Squadron badge (designed by Lt. Elliot Chess to memorize gen. Kosiuszko and 13 first states of USA)
http://www1.gazeta.pl/im/1763/z1763361G.jpg
American volunteers: from the left lt. Kenneth O. Shrewsbury, lt. Edwin L. Noble, lt. George M. Crawford, kpt. Arthur H. Kelly. second row-from the left: lt. Carl Clark, mjr Cedric Fauntleroy, kpt. Merian C. Cooper, kpt. Edward C. Corsi
http://www1.gazeta.pl/im/1764/z1764654G.jpg
Marshall Pilsudski decorating col. Fountleroy with Virtuti Militari (03.10.1921)
http://www1.gazeta.pl/im/1763/z1763364G.jpg
Fallen Kpt. John S. McCallum's airplane (he died)
http://www1.gazeta.pl/im/1763/z1763360G.jpg
05.30.1925 Monument to the memory of American airmen (Lvov-opening ceremony). The monument was devastated in 1944 by the soviets who finished their job in 1971 by destroying it completely...
http://www1.gazeta.pl/im/1763/z1763363G.jpg
The tradition of this squadron was continued by 303rd Polish Squadron (RAF) during the WWII. Today 1st Fighter Squadron (MiG-29)continues the tradition:
http://www.air.radom.pl/odznaki/minsk4.jpg

[wholagun]

cool I didn't know that.

I guess cooperation between our two states goes back awhile.

Also, its interesting to note that the father of the American Calvary is what.. thats right a Pole. Forget his name though. woot

[REMOV]

Also, its interesting to note that the father of the American Calvary is what.. thats right a Pole. Forget his name though.Casimir Pulaski (Kazimierz Pulaski)

http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/pershing/revolution/images/1pulaski.jpg

[tony6]

One of those pilots-Merian Cooper later became famous Hollywood producer (he produced King-Kong movie).
One of his ancestors was a close friend of gen. Pulaski and carried him when he was deadly wounded at the end of the battle (Savannah).
When he (Cooper) was young he used to listen to this story every thanks giving day. When he grew up he decided to go to Poland-motherland of Pulaski-to help Polish people the way they helped Americans during their fight. He was the one who formed the squadron and gathered his American friends (he didn't have to persuade them-the were very enthusiastic:)
American and Polish pilots who were awarded with Virtuti Military receveide also some piece of land in Poland (every soldier awarded with this cross before WWII was given some small allotment with it).
Pilots from Kosciuszko Squadron decided to give their land to those who really needed it-Polish wounded soldiers. The hospital for them was found on that land.

[wholagun]

Two questions:

1st.

Is it true that Casimir Pulaski as a reward for his service got Ohio and he was to give it up to black slaves after his death. However, Jefferson died and was unable to fufill the will of Casimir Pulaski.

2nd)

I hear that there was a Polish guy that help Washington cross a river, **** its a famous event and I don't know it (i know its sad but Im in international relations not history)

The reason im asking is cause i was talking to this American girl and she began laughing at me in class. I figured she was right after all she's American going to university in Canada.. So who's right.

[tony6]

I really can't tell-I'm not good in the USA history.