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Gnatowski, Leon Jakub

Date of birth:
July 25th, 1903 (Rozan)
Date of death:
August 8th, 1987
Buried on:
Cmentarz Wojskowy
Plot: C30. Row: X. Grave: 40a.
Nationality:
Polish

Biography

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Period:
Polish-Soviet War (1919-1921)
Awarded on:
January 26th, 1921
At the age of 17, he commanded a small group of soldiers and managed to capture several dozen enemy soldiers.
Order Wojenny Virtuti Militari - Krzyz Srebrny
"On 5th July 1944, the Battalion commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Gnatowski was carrying out an attack in the Montoro area. In this advance the Battalion found itself in the most dangerous position and came under extremely heavy artillery and mortar fire as the enemy advanced to hold off the attack. Although the situation was critical, Lieutenant Colonel Gnatowski continued to press home the attack, he himself leading the attack personally spurred on his men to a supreme effort which resulted in the capture of the ordered objective. His outstanding courage and complete disregard for personal safety was a shining example to his men".
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Podpulkownik (Lieutenant-colonel)
Unit:
15th Wilenski Rifle Battalion "Wilkow", 5th Wilno Rifle Brigade, 5th Kresowa Rifle Division, Polish II Corps, Polish Armed Forces in the West
Awarded on:
January 22nd, 1948
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from January 1944 to 2 May 1945."
Legion of Merit - Officer (LoM - O)

Sources

Photo