Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Kapitan (Captain)

Unit:

No. 6 (Polish) Troop, No. 10 (Inter-Allied) Commando, 56th Reconnaissance Regiment, Divisional Troops, 78th Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

June 27th, 1944

"Capt Smorokowski was in command of No. 6 (Polish) Tp No. 10 commando which was under command 56 Recce Regt from 13th December 1943 until 11th January 1944.

On the night of 21/22 Dec his troop was based on PESCOPENNATARO. Warning was received at 1390 hrs from an Italian that enemy intended first to attack that town during the night and then CAPRACOTTA. Capt Smorokowski promptly rallied his patrols and made all arrangements for the defence of the town, and personally arranged an Artillery plan with the F.O.O. in the town.

The enemy attacked at 1900 hrs, first from the South and later from the north. Each attack was beaten off. At about 0300 hrs a further attack was made on the outskirts of the town and the enemy succeeded establishing a footing in the town but were again repulsed. Pressure was kept up by the enemy after this on all sides until 0345 hrs when they finally withdrew.

From what was seen of the enemy during the night and from intelligence reports, the strength of the enemy was estimated at 200, which was more than that of the Polish Troop. Throughout the action, Capt Smorokowski displayed the greatest coolness, personally giving Artillery connections to the F.O.O. and directing the fire of his men. His example, his complete disregard for his personal safety and his absolute control of his Troop throughout the whole night undoubtedly contributed largely to its success in driving off the attack in spite of being outnumbered by two to one."