Zygmunt Aleksander Wnęk

Zygmunt Aleksander Wnęk (1918–1944) was a Polish soldier and military officer. During World War II he served in the rank of 2nd Lieutenant (podporucznik) on the Western Front with the 1st Armoured Regiment of the 1st Armoured Division. Killed in action during the Battle of Falaise, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Cross of Virtuti Militari, Poland's highest military decoration.

Biography

Zygmunt Aleksander Wnęk was born 17 July 1918 in Kołomyja, then a city in Austro-Hungarian Galicia. His father, Piotr Wnęk, held the position of Commisar in the State Police and as an active participant in the Polish Legions in World War I 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.

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 1st Armored Division formed in February 1942, under General Stanislaw Maczek in Duns, Scotland.

Zygmunt Wnęk was patrol leader in the Reconnaissance Platoon of the 1st Armoured Regiment (Poland). During the Battle for Falaise on 15-August 1944, Zygmunt Wnęk died 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 Langannerie in Normandy and was posthumously awarded the Virtuti Militari V class (Silver Cross).