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Zygmunt Aleksander Wnęk, born 17 July 1918 in Kołomyja, Poland. Died 15 August 1944 in Jort, France. Achieved rank of Second Lieutenant, armed forces Polish Army.

Biography

Zygmunt Aleksander Wnęk was born 17 July 1918 in Kołomyja. His father Piotr, held the position of Commisar in the State Police and as an active participant in the Polish Legions[]was awarded Cross of Defence of Lwów and Honorary Award “Eaglets of Lwów”. Zygmunt Wnęk graduated from the State Secondary School in Kołomyja, named "Król Kazimierz Jagiellończyk". Early on in his education he pursued an active role in developing sports culture in Poland. He was awarded the State Certificate in Sport, becoming team leader of the Polish Gymnastics Society "Sokół" in Kołomyja.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sok%C3%B3%C5%82

Following the advance of the Russian Army into Poland in August 1939, he departed from Poland ending up in France. In 1940 he took part in the French Campaign[] during which he distinguished himself with his bravery and courage. His commanding officer, Major Roman Proszek, considered him an officer of high military expertise and great courage.

On 27 August 1943 Zygmunt Wnęk was awarded the Cross of Valour.Following the occupation of France, Zygmunt Wnęk found himself in the Polish First Armoured Division,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Armoured_Division_%28Poland%29 formed in February 1942, under General Stanislaw Maczek in Duns Scotland.[1]

Zygmunt Wnęk was Patrol Leader in the Reconnaissance Platoon of the Polish First Armoured Regiment.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Armoured_Regiment_%28Poland%29 During the Battle for Falaise,[2] on 15-August 1944 Zygmunt Wnęk lost his life whilst undertaking action across the river Dives between Jort and Vandeuvre, on the left flank of the Polish First Armoured Division.

He is buried in the Polish War Cemetery in Grainville-Langannerie, Normandy,[3] and was posthumously awarded the Virtuti Militari V class (Silver Cross).https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtuti_Militari[4]

Bibliography

Evan McGilvray: "Man of Steel and Honour: General Stanislaw Maczek: Soldier of Poland, Commander of the 1st Polish Armoured Division in North-West Europe 1944-45" Published by Helion & Company 2012 Helion Studies in Military History No.18 Evan McGilvray: "The Black Devils March - A Doomed Odyssey. The 1st Polish Armoured Division 1939-1945" Published by Helion & Company; 1st edition 2004 http://www.polishwargraves.nl/langri/2615.htm Database of War graves http://www.memoiredeshommes.sga.defense.gouv.fr/fr/arkotheque/client/mdh/sepultures_guerre/detail_fiche.php?ref=1955224&debut=0 B.gronkowska (talk) 12:30, 16 May 2016 (UTC)