July 23: The Polish Count

Welcome to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Today is July 23rd, and our story is The Polish Count. Count Casimir Pulaski was not a model Catholic. He lacked prudence, engaged in some questionable political plots, and at least dabbled in Freemasonry. He was, however, a first-rate soldier, and Benjamin Franklin recognized as much when he met the Polish count in Paris in the spring of 1777. Only 32 at the time, Pulaski had already spent more than a decade fighting the Russians in Poland and the Ottoman Empire.

In both places, his reckless disregard for his and his men's safety earned him a reputation as equal parts daring and crazed. Exiled from Poland in 1773 for one of those half-daring, half-crazed exploits, Pulaski was a soldier without an army in Paris.

Franklin solved that problem by sending him off to America, recommendation letter in hand. Pulaski arrived in Massachusetts on July 23, 1777. Thanks to some fancy horseback riding and saving General Washington's life in the Battle of Brandywine, the Pole was a brigadier general by September.

For the next six months, as commander of the Continental Army's four cavalry regiments, Pulaski acquitted himself well in battle, but made few friends among his men and fellow officers. An aristocrat to the core, he was arrogant with his inferiors and insubordinate with his superiors.

By March 1778, Pulaski was fed up with the Continental Army's egalitarian ways and resigned his commission. Then, largely at his own expense, he formed an independent cavalry corps, the Pulaski Legion. The Legion saw battle first in New Jersey, before moving to South Carolina and Georgia. In Savannah, on October 9, 1779, its commander made his last foolhardy charge. While attempting to rally fleeing French forces, Pulaski rode straight into cannon fire.

Grapeshot felled him from his horse, leaving him mortally wounded. Impressed by his bravery, or madness, the English broke protocol and allowed Pulaski's men to carry him to safety. He died two days later. Pulaski's story illustrates that leadership and impact are not contingent on perfection, but on dedication, sacrifice, and the willingness to act decisively in critical moments. Reflect on a situation where taking a bold, principled action might benefit others. What risks might you face, and how can you act with courage responsibly?

Thank you for listening to the American Catholic Daily Reader Podcast. Join us tomorrow, July 24th, for another story of faith and courage in America.