Klodzinski, Zygmunt

Nationality:: Polish

Biography

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Military Cross (MC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Rotmistrz (Captain)
Unit:: 10th Polish Mounted Rifle Regiment, 1st Polish Armoured Division, Polish Armed Forces in the West
Awarded on:: June 28th, 1945

"On the 1st May 1945 Captain Kłodziński leading his men with great dash and enthusiasm took the enemy completely by surprise in Schwerinsdorf / MR 97024/ and Grossoldendorf / MR 999259/ and destroyed them. Thanks to the speed of his action and in spite of the fact that it was difficult tank country, he was able to seize and hold the Bridge across the Canal north of Remels. On 2nd May 1945 he led his squadron in an attack on another crossing at Grossander / MR 047229/ overcoming the resistance of an enemy infantry company which was attempting to hold the bridge.

The squadron then advanced further east in the direction of Moorburg / MR 104220 / encountering an heavy force of heavy tanks and self propelled guns. During hard fighting five tanks were hit by 88mm anti-tank shells and set on fire. Captain Kłodziński under heavy anti-tank and machine gun fire dismounted from his tank and directed the removal of the wounded crews remaining in this very exposed position until all casualties had been evacuated and the killed identified.

In spite of continuous and concentrated enemy fire and impossibility of the deploying the squadron which had to remain on one road owing to the marshy ground, he held on for several hours replying to the enemy's fire with his own grenades and self propelled shells until infantry was able to secure the crossing. Throughout the action Captain Kłodziński was an inspiring example of leadership and devotion to duty, exhibiting courage of a high order".