Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Kapral (Corporal)

Unit:

10th Polish Mounted Rifle Regiment, 1st Polish Armoured Division, Polish Armed Forces in the West

"Cpl SZALKOWSKI took part in all action of the squadron from day it landed on the beached of NORMANDY, giving at every opportunity proof of his extraordinary courage, devotion, fighting spirit and leadership.

Cpl SZALKOWSKI distinguished himself following occasions: On 12 Aug 44 in the attack on BU sur ROUVRES through the woods he volunteered for rescue work of Lt. NOWAKOWSKI's damaged tank who with his crew were unable to move owing to heavy enemy fire. On 13 Aug 44 during a tremendous air bombardment Cpl SZALKOWSKI showed great devotion to duty going to the assistance of wounded men regardless of the danger to himself. On 15 Aug 44 during the battle for river crossing at JORTZ at a most dangerous moment he volunteered again for rescue work of Sgt SADKOWSKI's tank bogged down in the river and under continuous enemy gun fire. On 21 Aug 44 in the fighting around *** / IR 413525 / he displayed courage of a high order in advancing on an enemy position and taking prisoners. On 21 Apr 45 in the action on ***/Germany MR 836904/ as a tank commander he led the advance against an enemy well established in bunkers and dykes. Cpl SZALKOWSKI seeing that *** tank fire was having considerable effect dismounted and destroyed with hand grenades enemy's Panzerfaust nests, this enabling the troop to move forward, liquidate the enemy and seize the river canal crossing."

- 3 July 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)