Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 300 (Masovian) Squadron, Royal Air Force

"Sergeant Pialucha was flight engineer in a Lancaster bomber, piloted by Flight Sergeant Stepian, ordered to attack the German strongholds at Emieville. On reaching the target, and on the bombing run, they were hit by flak which caused the bombing installation to become unserviceable, and they were therefore unable to release the bombs. Flight Sergeant Zentar, the rear gunner, was manoeuvring his turret when the flak hit and the blast blew his turret beyond its normal limits, ripping open the steel doors behind him. He was sucked out of the turret only saved from falling by his left foot which was trapped in the doorway. Sergeant Pialucha and Flight Sergeant Derewienko went to his aid but were unable to pull him back into the aircraft. As they attempted the rescue, Flight Sergeant Zentars foot began to slip from his trapped shoe as the lace began to snap. Derewienko grabbed his trousers which also began to rip. Pialucha disregarding his own safety climbed through the opening between the turret and the aircraft and holding onto the aircraft with one hand, succeeded in getting a loop of rope around Flight Sergeant Zentars body to prevent him falling, the aircraft was at this point now over the English Channel. The rope was then secured to the turret seat and Pialucha climbed back inside the aircraft and returned to his duties, assisting the pilot to get the damaged aircraft back to England. the aircraft landed at Tangmere, with a full bomb load, and Flight Sergeant Zentar, who had to swing from side to side during the landing to avoid hitting the runway with his head, was finally rescued. There is no doubt that had Pialucha not secured the rope around Zentar he would have fallen to his death."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 1586 (Polish Special Duties) Flight, Royal Air Force