Dedication Ceremony of 1944 Airlift Crew Memorial

The Warsaw Uprising, which began on August 1, 1944, was a major World War II operation by the Polish resistance Home Army to liberate Warsaw from German occupation. It was the largest military effort undertaken by any European resistance movement during the war. The uprising was a desperate bid to reclaim the capital as Soviet forces approached from the east.

One of the critical support operations for the uprising was Operation Frantic 7. On September 18, 1944, this U.S. Air Force mission involved a massive airdrop of supplies to the beleaguered Polish fighters. The mission saw B-17 Flying Fortresses flying from bases in Italy to deliver weapons, ammunition, food, and medical supplies.

PACIM, Sister Cities International Columbia Heights – Łomianki, the Institute of National Remembrance in Poland, the City of Columbia Heights, MN, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago, and many individual donors joined efforts to commemorate the heroic crew of the B-17 Flying Fortress named “I’ll Be Seeing You” that took part in Operation Frantic 7 and was shot down by Germans over the suburbs of Warsaw on September 18, 1944. A rear gunner of the plane was Staff Sergeant Walter Shimshock, a Polish-American resident of Northeast Minneapolis. He was able to parachute from the crashing airplane but was captured and executed by the Germans. A memorial to honor him and other members of the heroic crew will be unveiled in Huset Park In Columbia Heights, MN, on September 21, 2024. 

Despite the courage and sacrifice demonstrated by both the Polish resistance fighters and the Allied aircrews, the uprising ultimately failed due to a lack of sufficient external support and the overwhelming strength of the German forces. The city was devastated, and the resistance suffered heavy casualties. However, the valor displayed during the Warsaw Uprising and operations like Frantic 7 remains a poignant symbol of resistance against oppression.

We are also honored to host distinguished guests, including Mr. Rafał Trzaskowski, Mayor of Warsaw, and Ms. Agata Grochowska, Vice-Consul of the Polish Consulate in Chicago. The Polish Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), whose generous support made the monument possible, will be represented by Mr. Mateusz Szpytma, Deputy President, and Mr. Adam Siwek, Director of the Office for Commemorating the Struggle and Martyrdom.

Please arrive by 12:45 PM to ensure a timely start. The event will begin promptly at 1:00 PM with a presentation of colors by the Grand Forks AFB honor guard.

All confirmed attendees who replied to our invitation will have reserved seating in the main tent. Additional seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the adjacent pavilion for others.