embassy events 2008 

Embassy Officials Participate in Cichociemni Event
 

18 June 2008 

Captain Jerzy "Magik" Bartnik, Parasol, VM; Mr. Mieczyslaw Sokolowski, Konsul General for Poland, Switzerland (Nephew of Major Jan Piwnik); Lieutenant Cezary Chlebowski, AK;  LTC Ray Wojcik, Deputy Chief, Office of Defense of Cooperation, U.S. Embassy. (more photos)

On June 14, 2008, U.S. Embassy representatives COL Bogdan Gieniewski, LTC Ray Wojcik, and LT Marek Strosin from the Office of Defense Cooperation Participated in an event honoring Polish soldiers from Special Operations Unit “Cichociemni” (Silent-Warriors).  Cichociemni was a secret WWII operation established in London.  On November 7/8, 1941, Cichociemni parachuted into Poland, lead by MAJ Jan Piwnik, “Ponury.” The unit is marked by its incredibly rigorous training and its daring high-risk missions; of the 2,413 volunteers in the Polish group, only 316 completed training and parachuted into Poland during the War.  Beloved Cichociemni Commander, Major Piwnik was killed in action before the end of the War.  This year’s ceremony marked the 20th anniversary of return of his remains from abroad and laying them to rest at a nearby church in Wąchock.   

The U.S. delegation was invited to the event by the Cichociemni organizers and by Captain Jerzy “Magik” Bartnik from Unit Parasol, who is the recipient of the Virtuti Militari for bravery (Poland’s Congressional Medal of Honor).  The event was culminated by a wreath laying ceremony at the Cichociemni monument dedicated to the bravery of the few who fought against an enemy force many times greater in numbers, but not greater in spirit!