Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Kapitan (Captain)

Unit:

6th Lwowski Light Artillery Regiment, 5th Kresowa Rifle Division, Polish II Corps, Polish Armed Forces in the West

Awarded on:

June 1945

"At 0540 hrs 26 Mar 45 an enemy raiding party, strong two platoons, attacked a post of 17 Bn some 150 yards to EAST floodbank of the R. SENIO opposite FELISIO. With the Battalion as F.O.O. was Capt TUTAJ. He rapidly appreciated the situation and, on his own initiative, instead of calling for normal DF, directed and put down a curtain of fire round the flanks and rear of the raiding party, thereby preventing its reinforcement or withdrawal. He also, with the consent of the Battalion Command, arranged and coordinated the fire of the Battalion mortars to tie up with his fire plan.

As a result of this action, the enemy losses were 10 killed, 10 wounded 1 officer and 13 ORs taken prisoners by our troops, thereby virtually annihilating the raiding party.

The success of this action, which was commended by Command EIGHT Army, was in a great measure due to the skill, initiative and determination of Capt TUTAJ.

Later, during the offensive, Capt TUTAJ further distinguished himself, especially on 10 and 11 April, when he deployed his battery on both days under heavy enemy fire."