Haller's Army
The Polish Army in France
At the end of the 18th century, Poland was partitioned by Austria, Russia, and Prussia and ceased to exist as an independant nation. In 1797, a Polish Legion was formed in Italy, to fight with Napoleon Bonaparte against Austria. The Poles hoped that by fighting on the French side against the Powers that had partitioned Poland they could free their country.
During WWI, with the support of France, an army was put together to fight to regain Polish independence. The Polish Army in France, (Armia Polska we Francyi), was commonly referred to as "Haller's Army" after the General who commanded it.
Haller's Army was comprised of approximatly 20,000 Polish citizens recurited mainly from the United States. Recruitment officially began in October of 1917. The army was also sometimes called te "Blue Army" because of the blue uniforms.
One of the most famous battles that Haller's Army participated in was the Battle of Warsaw which took place on August 15th, 1920. The Russian "Red Army" had conquered Russia and was set on annexing Poland again. They overran the countryside and quickly made it to Warsaw. The battle became known as the "Miracle on
the Vistula" when Generals Pilsudski, Haller and Sikorski routed the Red Army and saved a weakened Europe from Soviet conquest. August 15th is now celebrated as "Soldiers Day" in Poland.
Participation in Haller's Army was a great source of pride among many Polish American Immigrants.
Haller's Army Search Index of the Polish Genealogical Society
Haller's medal ribbons
Selected French Medals Awarded to Polish Soldiers
Polish History