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Skibinski, Franciszek Maria

    Date of birth:
    August 15th, 1899 (München, German Empire)
    Date of death:
    May 16th, 1991 (Warsaw, Poland)
    Buried on:
    Cmentarz Wojskowy
    Plot: A38. Row: 4. Grave: 5.
    Service number:
    A 04427
    Nationality:
    Polish (1918-1939, IInd Republic)

    Biography

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    Period:
    Polish-Soviet War (1919-1921)
    Awarded on:
    1921

    No. 2630
    Order Wojenny Virtuti Militari - Krzyz Srebrny
    Awarded on:
    1938
    Krzyz Zaslugi in Gold
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Pulkownik (Colonel)
    Unit:
    HQ, 10th Polish Armoured Cavalry Brigade, 1st Polish Armoured Division, Polish Armed Forces in the West
    Awarded on:
    April 3rd, 1946

    Royal Decree no.63
    Bronzen Leeuw (BL)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    General Dywizji (Major General)
    Awarded on:
    1989
    Krzyz Czynu Bojowego Polskich Sil Zbrojnych na Zachodzie
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Pulkownik (Colonel)
    "On 15/22 Sep 44 whilst engaged in operations to clear part of Southern Holland, 3 Inf Brigade ** successfully for the towns of AXEL and HULST forcing the Germans to withdraw finally to the North bank of the SCHELDE. During this action Col. SKIBINSKI exhibited great courage and ability, commanding personally from his tank amongst the forward troops.

    On 7 and 8 Nov 44 during hard fighting for the MOERDIJK bridge head, he was an inspiring example to the Brigade which was battling under exceedingly trying and difficult conditions and subject to continuous and heavy enemy fire from mortars and artillery and it was largely due to his untiring efficiency that a successful conclusion was reached.

    In both these actions and throughout the whole campaign in North West Europe, Col. Skibinski has displayed outstanding bravery and great power of endurance and leadership, and has been a magnificent Brigade Commander in every respect."

    - 3 July 1945
    Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
    Krzyz Zaslugi in Gold
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Podpulkownik (Lieutenant-colonel)
    For merit in 1940.
    Krzyz Walecznych
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    For services in 1940 and 1944-1945. with palm
    Croix de Guerre (1939-1945)
    Period:
    Polish-Soviet War (1919-1921)

    With 1 star
    Znak za Rany i Kontuzje
    Medal 10-lecia Odzyskania Niepodleglosci

    Sources

    Photo