Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Starszy Sierzant (Sergeant)

Unit:

Divisional Workshops, 1st Polish Armoured Division, Polish Armed Forces in the West

Awarded on:

July 3rd, 1945

"On 30th April 1945, an Infantry Battalion was fighting to gain a crossing over the River Leda at Potshausen (9110, map M2). The enemy, very well dug in, offered stiff opposition. The country was flooded and the road damaged and under fire near the approached to the river. Flame thrower carriers were called in, and during the approach march, made on the near side of the dike, all three became bogged. Staff Sergeant Olczak's recovery section was called in. Owing to the nature of the country, the recovery had to be made by using the recovery vehicle winch, using a cable about 200 yards long. Two men went forward with the attachment hook but hesitated under mortar fire. Staff Sergeant Olczak took the hook and went forward under mortar fire till he reached the carriers. Under his direction the first one was towed to safety. This operation was repeated three times.

By his courage and disregard for personal safety, he was an outstanding example to his men working by the winch. By his action the flame throwers were in action that same evening".