Polish Greatness

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At 14:15 on 30 August in 1939, ORP Blyskawica Bid Poland Farewell.
It will be [75] years this August when on this day the now famous Polish Naval Destroyer, the
ORP Blyskawica sailing out of the Port of Gdynia sent a farewell message to the Polish
Naval Headquarters and Poland:
"SZCZĘŚĆ BOŻE KU CHWALE OJCZYZNY"
On the departing ships bridge standing next to the commanding
officer, Signalist Petty Officer, Polish Naval Reserve Stefan
Wesolowski on orders from Captain Wlodzimierz Kodrebski sent
this deeply moving signal to Poland on the eve of the start of WWII.
Little did we know at that time what horrors awaited us and the Polish
people for almost seven years?

The Polish Navy at that moment initiated OPERATION PEKIN which
directed the Polish naval flotilla to sail in secret to England and
become part of the British Naval force for the duration of the war.

On the 1st of September at 17:35 the small Polish fleet arrived at
Liege England to start is operations against Nazi Germany.



The following is a story of one of the 197 crew members of ORP
Blyskawica whose experience and destiny ended as a citizen of the
United States via battles of the North Atlantic, Narvik, Normandy,
Sicily and the Pacific.
Stefan Wesolowski in 1940
There are few times in our lives when human beings appear who incorporate all of the
flamboyance, courage, and virtue that we all aspire to within ourselves, particularly as during
the chaotic and dangerous years of World War II. The combination of these traits are
nonexistent in the development of our modern society today which is based more on cynicism
than faith, more on personal gratification than an exaltation of the spirit for the common good;
a loss of moral fiber in the face of adversity. Tom Brokaw in his book, THE GREATEST
GENERATION eludes to this unselfish love of country and sacrifice. In his second book, THE
GREATEST GENERATIONS SPEAKS he mentions Captain Stefan P. Wesolowski.
Captain_Stefan_Wesolowski_in_Florida-1980-274x384.jpg

Captain Stefan P. Wesolowski 1980
It seems today that the magnificent accomplishments and
aspirations of the world during the 19th and early 20th centuries
have been replaced now by an engulfing sense of self-indulgence
and weakening moral responsibility and self-discipline. Yet, we
cannot despair for the human race when we are fortunate enough to
come across the story of human beings that fulfill all of the loftiest of
humanity’s aspirations. We all live by examples, good or bad, of
human endeavor. Here is an example of one story that soars to its
highest form of human behavior and achievement.

Ian A. Millar, an American Naval Historian noted in an article on
Captain Stefan P. Wesolowski, the following; " Heroes sometimes
attain this exalted status not as the result of a single act, but rather
through a career of outstanding accomplishment that earn them this
honor. Heroes may come and go, but very often we read about an
individual whose values and fortitude reflect that which we as
freedom loving people admire. Such is the story of Captain Stefan
P. Wesolowski who fought for freedom from the age of nine. One
must admire the convictions of a man like this, and too his heroic
service. Beyond this I find great admiration for him and his
perseverance in service while his family remained in the German
occupied land of his birth, Poland".
SOLDIER OF POLAND AT 9, CORPORAL AT 12
s1918-306x443.jpg

Captain Stefan Ogonczyk Wesolowski was born on January 31,
1909 in Warsaw during the occupation of Poland by Czarist Russia.
His family background dates back to old Polish nobility and is one
that is steeped in patriotism. The Wesolowski family took an active
part in the service of the Polish-Lithuanian Kingdom, at the very
height of Polish historical strength in Central Europe.

His father, Lucjan participated in the Revolution of 1905 and his
grandfather, Seweryn took part in the January Uprising of 1863
against Russia. The great-grandfather, Jozef, participated in the
November Uprising of 1830. Since 1792, twenty-two members of
the Wesolowski family received Poland’s highest decoration for
military valor, the Order of the Virtuti Militari.

Stefan Wesolowski followed in this family tradition of patriotism at
the early age of 9 when he ran away from home to join Pilsudski’s
Legions. In 1918 at the age when most children are concerned with
toys and not national issues, Stefan participated as a soldier in the
Polish War of Independence. For his services, primarily as a scout,
during this turbulent period of Polish military history, Stefan
Wesolowski received Poland’s highest honor for valor and gallantry
under fire. He was awarded the Order of Virtuti Militari for the
defense of Lwow where he was instrumental in taking and holding a
strategic position. He received the second highest decoration, the
Cross of Valor for his military contributions during the 3rd Silesian
Uprising. There he conducted nightly reconnaissance operations
across enemy lines camouflaged as a girl pulling a cow to pasture.
No one suspected a little girl of military activity.
Stefan Ogonczyk Wesolowski in 1918
In addition to these decorations, Stefan Wesolowski was promoted to the rank of corporal at
the tender age of 12, becoming the youngest noncommissioned officer in the history of Polish
military services. He was later awarded decorations for Silesia, Wolyn and Lwow as an
additional point of recognition for his military service in these campaigns.
In spite of this valorous service in the land forces of the newly nascent Poland, Stefan Wesolowski’s future became
intrinsically involved in his country’s naval forces. Having listened to intriguing stories of the sea, recounted by his
comrades in arms, he left the ranks of the army after the Silesian campaign. Young Wesolowski traveled directly to
Wejherowo where he joined the crew of the" Abdank", He later served on the "Gazolina" the first ship of the fledgling
Polish Merchant Marine. He was the only Pole on the crew. The Captain asked Stefan to saw a Polish flag and in a
short flag raising ceremony, Stefan raised the Polish flag on the first Polish Merchant Marine ship in over 350 years. In
the spring of 1922 at the age of 13, Wesolowski decided to join the Polish Navy and was inducted with the rank of Petty
Officer.

His first assignment was as a commander of a ten-man observation and communication post between Gdynia and
Oksywie. By sheer weight of personality and experience he was able to overcome his age barrier with his men and they
readily accepted his leadership. After a period of shore duty he served on various Polish naval ships as well as naval
vessels of the French Navy. He served aboard "the Bourrasque", "Fortune" and "Condercet" of the French Navy This
provided him with specialist training in range finding and communication in naval operations.
f1939us-274x448.jpg

Wesolowski with wife, Antonina, and sons
Zdzislaw and Jeremii in 1938
f1934_Wedding_Antonina_Stefan-282x460.jpg

Wedding of Stefan and Antonina 1934
After eight years of active duty with the Polish Navy, Wesolowski transferred to the naval reserve and returned to
Merchant Marine duty. In 1930 upon receiving his captain’s diploma, Wesolowski became the skipper of the seagoing
tug "Pollox" and became intimately Involved in the construction of the Polish port of Gdynia, assisting In the enormous
dredging operations that involved the waterways in the port city of Wladyslawowo. In 1933 he joined the Gdynia Port
Authority and served as a pilot at that facility.

In 1934 he married Antonina and two sons, Zdzislaw and Jeremii resulted from this happy union.

By 1936, Captain Wesolowski had become established in his naval career and life seemed to have taken a serene
pattern of hard, but interesting work and the additional personal satisfaction of a happy married life. In 1938 Stefan and
Antonina were looking for a retirement home having by then completed 20 years of government service. Little did they
know that in Germany, a dictator had different plans for them and Poland.
THE SECOND WORLD WAR
Suddenly with the consolidation of power in Germany in the hands of Adolph Hitler, and the weakening response of the
Western powers to his territorial demands, Poland found herself in a state of complete mobilization on August 24, 1939.
The independence and tranquillity of his country, that he had fought so valiantly for in the 1918-1921 period, was now,
only 21 years later, to be challenged once again by her ancient enemy, Germany.

Mobilized with the rest of the Polish forces, Captain Wesolowski received his assignment on board the Polish
submarine ORP Orzel. However, neither this assignment nor the subsequent one on the destroyer ORP Wicher were
successful since during the early, confusing aspects of the general mobilization both craft were by then fully crewed
before his arrival. Interestingly and ironically, both of these vessels were sunk during the war. Finally, after the initial
confusion of mobilization, Captain Wesolowski was assigned to the destroyer ORP Blyskawica as a signalist

Realizing the enormous odds against survival of the small Polish fleet against the overwhelming naval forces of Nazi
Germany, the ORP Blyskawica, ORP Burza and ORP Grom with Wesolowski and others were ordered to leave the port
of Oksywie and head on a straight course for England.

On the bridge of the Blyskawica with its captain Wlodzimierz Kodrebski was Petty Officer Stefan Wesolowski. Captain
Kodrebski directed Wesolowski to send the following message bidding Poland and their countrymen goodbye at 1415
on 30 August 1939, SZCZESC BOZE KU CHWALE OJCZYZNY.

None realized the agonizing years of separation from family and country that awaited them. For those who survived the
agonies and frustrations of the Second World War, it would mean six years of separation from families and their
beloved homeland.
ORP Blyskawica - Please click on photo to read about this amazing vessel.
BATTLES IN THE ENGLISH CHANNEL AND NARVIK
On September 9th, 1939 the small Polish flotilla of destroyers entered Plymouth harbor after passing through the Baltic
Sea, the Swedish Sound and the North Sea - always under pressure as primary targets of the German fleet. Assigned
to North Sea patrols, now Petty Officer Stefan Wesolowski, remained with his ship for over a year, The winter of 1939
was particularly terrible and exerted its toll on the health and lives of the men assigned this dangerous duty. On
November 7th, 1939 the ORP Blyskawica was attacked by German aircraft, but fortunately survived the torpedo attack.
In the spring of 1940 Hitler launched his attack against Norway and the Polish ships and an Army Brigade of Polish
Highlanders were dispatched to Narvik to help in the defense of Norway. During the course of this disastrous battle the
sister ship to the ORP Blyskawica, the ORP Grom, was bombed and sunk by the German Luftwaffe. However, both
ships inflicted heavy damage to the German forces at Narvik by their intense bombarding of the shore. During the
furious battle the ships were able to shoot down one of the German bomber that harassed the fleet and the army.

The ORP Blyskawica was damaged badly and among the many wounded in the battle for Narvik was Wesolowski who
was ejected from his position at the antiaircraft gun turret by a bomb explosion. Wesolowski spotted the German aircraft
and was first to fire upon it as it attacked the Blyskawica. His instantaneous firing at the plane a long distance away
made the pilot drop the torpedo prematurely thereby the torpedo missed the ship by several feet. Upon returning to the
home base in Plymouth he was hospitalized and never able to return to his ship.

For the Battle of Narvik, he earned his second Cross of Valor. Interestingly, on a visit to Poland after the war he was
able to walk the decks of this valiant ship that survived the war. The ORP Blyskawica became a part of the Polish Naval
Museum in Gdynia.
DUTY ON FRENCH NAVAL SHIPS
After a prolonged stay in the hospital, Wesolowski was returned to active duty and assigned to a French subchaser,
The Chaser XV on July 26, 1940 as chief petty officer and assistant commander. He also served on the Chaser XI on
several occasions when the other vessel was out of service. With the fall of France in 1941 the Polish Navy took over
complete operation of these subchasers. Polish sailors flooded to Plymouth from all parts of Europe and the
unavailability of ships forced them to serve with various other national naval forces fighting the war against the Hitler
armies. Wesolowski volunteered for duty with the French subchasers and his valor in this most dangerous of naval
operations earned him the Croix de Guerre. The responsibilities of these small vessels was to seek out German
merchant shipping and submarines in the English Channel and La Manche areas. Coupled with the ever-dangerous
military missions was the added problem of abominable weather conditions consisting of constant fog, rain, raw cold
and snow.

The elements caused Wesolowski’s health to deteriorate rapidly and as a result he was declared unsuitable for further
military activity. On August 8, 1941 Wesolowski was honorably discharged from active duty from the Polish Navy and
reverted back to the Merchant Marine. After a short period of rest and rehabilitation Wesolowski chafed at the bit for
active duty. Spurred by the fact that his wife and two sons were languishing under brutal conditions of Nazi occupied
Poland, Wesolowski reported for duty at the headquarters of the Polish Merchant Marine in London. He was assigned
to the crew of M/S Lechistan on February 10, 1942 as a radio operator. This assignment satisfied his desire to
participate actively in the raging war against the Axis. He sailed on a number of ships during this period including the
Swedish vessel S/S Hilmeren and the American tanker S/S Fairfax. His reputation as an officer grew continuously and
he was commended for his seamanship and command ability under fire on several occasions.
THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
In November of 1943, finding himself temporarily in the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard, NY, Wesolowski was summoned to the
Commanding General of the US Army Transportation Corps for a personal interview. Knowing the background of
Wesolowski’s naval career and his capability as a commander, the general offered Wesolowski a position as second in
command of an auxiliary aircraft carrier.

This was the only time in US history that a foreign national was to hold a command position in the armed forces of the
USA. After expediting the formalities and procedures necessary to effect his appointment, Wesolowski was assigned to
the auxiliary aircraft carrier, the USAT Ganandoc as second in command.
The USAT Ganandoc ship was built in 1940 as an iron ore carrier but
was converted at the Brooklyn Naval Yard into an auxiliary aircraft
carrier. The lower deck held 65 fighter aircraft and 30 were in
constant readiness on the flight decks. The mission of the USAT
Ganandoc was to carry aircraft and supplies to United States forces
through Halifax in Nova Scotia, across the Atlantic to Liverpool,
England serving as part of the protective convoy against enemy
aircraft and submarines.

During the course of the third voyage the commander fell ill with a
heart attack and Wesolowski replaced him as commander. After
extremely lucky years on the Atlantic and Murmansk patrols the
Ganandoc was assigned to duty with the invading flotilla assembled
for the invasion of Normandy. There, after delivering its cargo of
tanks, planes and ammunition, the ship was hit by shore batteries and
was so severely damaged that the high command issued orders for its
scuttling. However, Wesolowski and his crew managed to bring her
limping back to port in England, where after extensive repairs she was
made fit once more.

The whole ship was cited and decorated for this heroic achievement
by Major General Frank Ross, Chief of the Army Transportation
Corps, ETO. The General wanted to name a ship after Captain
Wesolowski, but Wesolowski declined the honor
His former Commander Colonel Robert L. Taylor wrote: "Captain Wesolowski served with distinction during the
invasion of Europe between the period 6 June to 25 October 1944 and was cited for service to the United States
above and beyond the call of duty. During his service Captain Wesolowski’s operational record, efficiency and
devotion to duty and the American cause during the Second World War was exemplary and above reproach." Later in
1985, Captain Wesolowski was decorated with the Bronze Star of Valor. Poland decorated Captain Wesolowski after
the war with the Commanders Cross of the Order of Merit. During the time that USAT Ganandoc was under repair,
Wesolowski changed command to a large ocean going tug, the USALT 533, and became involved in salvage
operations and convoy duty.
USAT_Ganandoc-401x289.jpg

Sister ship of Ganandoc
On December 23, 1944 Captain Wesolowski discovered a minefield in the English Channel and successfully judged its
location and movement enabling the convoy to clear the field with no loss of ships or lives. For this heroic achievement
he was decorated and cited by Colonel Samuel A. Decker who wrote: "In recognition of conspicuously meritorious and
outstanding performance of military duty did promptly and intelligently report the presence of enemy minefield in the
English Channel, thereby unquestionably avoiding loss of life and shipping." Major General Frank Ross recommended
the naming of a ship in Captain Wesolowski honor but he declined this gesture. In March of 1945, Wesolowski resumed
command of the USAT Ganandoc and served aboard that ship until the end of the war in Europe.

By 1944 the news spread in the Polish Navy that a Polish officer commanded an American aircraft carrier. On one
occasion the ORP Blyskawica and the USAT Ganandoc were docked in the Port of Southampton. Curiosity motivated
Polish sailors to pay a courtesy call on the Captain of the USAT Ganandoc. After being escorted to the captain’s cabin
by a marine guard, the Polish sailors from the ORP Blyskawica were shocked to discover that their former petty officer
was the captain of the Ganandoc. One said. "Stefan what the hell are you doing here"? They could not believe that
Wesolowski held such an important command with the American forces, but was a former noncommissioned officer in
the Polish Navy. The chief of the Polish Navy became aware of Wesolowski’s command and extended an invitation to
visit the headquarters of the Polish Navy in London next time Captain Wesolowski was in town. Stefan finally accepted
the admiral’s invitation. Upon arrival to the headquarters, the whole admiralty staff received him. During the interview,
the admiral wanted to know how and why Wesolowski became a commander of an American aircraft carrier when in the
Polish Navy he was only a petty officer. Captain Wesolowski replied that the Americans must have valued his expertise
more than the Poles.
JOURNEY HOME TO POLAND
As the war drew to a close the thoughts of Captain Wesolowski
became more and more concerned with the whereabouts and well
being of the family left behind in Poland. The oppressive rule of
the Hitler forces was only too familiar to him and he was
constantly beleaguered by the fear that the Gestapo would wreak
vengeance on his family.

With the war’s end the destiny of a free Poland was still very much
in question and the difficulties of Poland’s armed forces in
returning to their homeland were manifold. However, on February
28th, 1946 Captain Stefan Wesolowski was granted a
compassionate leave of absence from headquarters, US Forces
ETO, and ordered to proceed to Paris, Berlin and then to Warsaw
for the purpose of locating and visiting his family. This
unprecedented order was authorized by General Eisenhower and
signed by General McNary. Armed with this unusual, but
invaluable, document, Wesolowski proceeded on his journey of
reunion.

On March 19, 1946 he landed in Warsaw aboard an American Air
Force plane in the uniform of an American captain in the naval
service.
ff1946_July_20_Arrival_New_York-417x340.jpg

The long years of suffering, anxiety and unbearable tension were finally ended and the family spent a few weeks of
happiness in Paris, that even in the post war year of 1946, seemed like paradise in comparison to Warsaw.
Arrangements were made for their final journey to the United States and on July 20, 1946 Captain Wesolowski’s wife
Antonina, and his sons Zdzislaw 11 and Jeremil 9, arrived in New York aboard the S/S Washington.

Passing the Statue of Liberty had a deep significance to them after the 6 years of war and deprivation. On the dock,
anxiously waiting the final moment of reunion stood Captain Wesolowski with the New York press corps. Needless to say
the joy of final and definitive reunion was an unforgettable and overwhelming experience for the entire family.
Zdzislaw, Jeremii in Paris 1946 Arrival in Brooklyn,NY 1946
Shortly thereafter Captain Wesolowski was discharged from the US Army Transportation Service; he joined the
American Merchant Marine where he sailed for another twenty years. After the war, Captain Wesolowski was invited by
President Harry Truman to the White House. President Truman congratulated and thanked Captain Wesolowski for his
services to the United States. After settling down with his family in Staten Island, Stefan became involved in various
veteran organizations and assisted Polish refugees in the United States.

The citizenship of the United States was granted Captain Wesolowski and his family shortly after the war. During the
passing years the Captain and his family settled in Staten Island, New York, and they were able to enjoy the peace and
tranquillity of their adopted land. His sons grow up in the United States, the oldest son, Zdzislaw, joined the Air Force
during the Korean War and later obtained a doctoral degree. At the present time he is a professor of aviation,
management and economics at Florida Memorial College in Miami. The youngest, Jeremii, also received his doctorate
and assumed several positions of responsibility in management of the pharmaceutical industry. He is currently living
with his family in Yorba Linda, California.

Captain Wesolowski selected retirement in Miami Beach, Florida where he quietly reminisced on former battles won and
lost and of ships of another time. His memories are vivid of his many nationals comrades-in-arms from the United
States, Poland, France, Great Britain, Norway and Lithuania, who fought so gallantly for the preservation of our
freedom. In a book "Under Foreign Flags" written by the famous Polish naval historian, Jerzy Pertek, Captain Stefan
Ogonczyk Wesolowski was added to the annals of Polish naval history for his service to Poland and the United States.
His decorations were bestowed by the United States, France, England, Norway, Lithuania and Formosa. Amongst the
most cherished mementos of his career is a letter of commendation from President Harry S. Truman dated February
24, 1948. Adding to the list of recognition of his magnificent service to the cause of liberty was the Bronze Star for
Valor presented on the 35th anniversary of D-Day. His years of retirement have been fruitful and full as all sailors the
nostalgia for the sea, and its challenges, will remain forever.
Captain Wesolowski wrote his memoirs "Od Gazoliny do Ganandoca"
and they were published in Poland in 1983. This story of courage, faith
and intensity of love for freedom is one that was greeted with great
anticipation throughout Poland and the United States. One month after
publication, the book was sold out.
World War II was a time of extraordinary hardships for many families in the United States.
Separations caused by sons, brothers, fathers and husbands in service with the Armed Forces,
and the subsequent dangers of loss of life or serious injury, caused torment in thousands of
families, in thousands of ways. In spite of these horrors of war, the torments were minute in
comparison to those faced by the families who were in direct subjugation to enemy forces on the
soil of Poland.

Antonina Wesolowski, the wife of Captain Wesolowski, just as Captain Wesolowski was a hero in
every aspect of the word, so too was Mrs. Wesolowski a heroine. Hers is a story that typifies the
courage shown over and over again by so very many Polish women and children who existed
through the war years on the strength of their faith and courage.

Mrs. Antonina Wesolowski, the wife of Captain Wesolowski was born in Bielcach on May 13, 1913 to a merchant family
from Poznan. Her family was also involved in the fight for Polish Independence. Her father moved his family to Gdynia in
1932 where he established a flourishing business. It was in Gdynia that Antonina and Stefan met, and on September
25, 1933, the two were married.

At that time, Captain Wesolowski was on the staff of the Gdynia Port Authority as a pilot. Several years later the family
had grown to four with the additions of their firstborn, Zdzislaw, and their youngest son, Jeremii. The young family
settled down to a quiet life in the recently built city of Gdynia. All was quite serene and for a few happy years Antonina
enjoyed the life of a typical wife of a naval officer and Polish hero. In 1938 the family was already planning Captain
Wesolowski’s retirement from government service and had even started to look for a retirement country estate. Captain
Wesolowski planned to retire in 1940, after over twenty years in the service of his country, at the age of 31. He was
looking forward to a life of quiet leisure as a country gentleman, engaging in his various hobbies and veteran’s group
activities. Little did the Wesolowski family realize that a year later, Hitler had other plans for them and the rest of the
Polish people.
IN NAZI-OCCUPIED POLAND
Early in August of 1939 Stefan, a naval reservist, set out on his annual training cruise. Antonina and the two boys bade
him goodbye and left Gdynia for a vacation near Osiek Sandomierski to wait for his return. Plans called for him to rejoin
his family after the training cruise for a summer holiday. The family had no idea that this was to be a parting that would
last seven long years. Several weeks later, at the home of her parents, Antonina learned that the political situation with
Germany was very dangerous and a strong possibility existed that there would be a war. Rumors grew all the stronger
and soon became a terrible reality. Antonina realized that Stefan would be reinstated to active duty and would be
fighting for Poland. Antonina all too frighteningly anticipated the fear of war and the terrors it would bring. She now had
to assume the role of mother in the worst of times as she indeed was left to care for her sons alone during the invasion
of Hitler’s army. At the time, Zdzislaw was only 4 and Jeremii 2 old.
ARRESTED BY THE GESTAPO
Antonina and her son, Zdzislaw, still carry vivid memories of one battle in Osiek. This was the day that, after the battle,
they buried a young Polish soldier who was no more than 17 years of age and carried no identification other than a
wooden cross worn around his neck; evidently the parting gift from a loving mother. With their bare hands Antonina
and Zdzislaw dug the shallow grave and buried the young soldier in the soft earth of Poland.

To this day Zdzislaw wonders who he was and has pledged to make an attempt to find the grave on his next visit to
Poland. They do remember that it was in the garden of the Staszewski family on Ulica Koscielna in Osiek-Sandomierski.
Zdzislaw has vowed to himself that he will find the grave of this Polish Unknown Soldier. Antonina worried about her
children’s safety, their education and their very lives. Since schools were closed, she started to teach them herself and
on several occasions there were periods of time when they were able to attend small underground schools before they
were discovered and closed by the Germans. Antonina did her utmost to provide loving care for her children as well as
her parents, but by the end of the terrible war, both of her parents had died.
END OF WWII
When the war was finally over, Antonina and her sons journeyed via open rail flatbed and horse drawn wagon from
Ostrowiec to Gdynia.

In the spring of 1945 they reached Gdynia after a horrifying journey which had taken many weeks. On that trip they
viewed the ravaged Polish cities and villages and saw the dead and unburied bodies strewn about everywhere.
Half-starved, ragged people were a common sight on the Polish landscape. Returning people searched for missing
friends and relatives, looking for former streets and buildings which no longer existed; only rubble was evident
everywhere. The refugees numbered millions and all were seeking information about those who were dead or alive.

Only God knew the answers to the questions of many. Several weeks passed and word was spread that the Polish
Navy was returning from England and on the 24th of October 1945 the small flotilla of the Polish Navy returned to
Gdynia. Zdzislaw and Jeremii were hoping that their father would be among those returning; however, standing some
distance near the docks, the boys did not see their father getting off any of the ships.

They were disappointed and wondered whether he was still alive and whether he would ever return to them. Time
passed slowly until Antonina finally received a telegram from Stefan telling her that he was returning to Poland to take
them to the United States.
FAMILY REUNITED
On March 18, 1946 Captain Wesolowski was in Frankfurt, West Germany arranging a flight to Warsaw on the first
available US. Army Air Force aircraft. He was able to secure a seat on the airplane, however a young mother with a little
girl pleaded with him to give up his seat because she had to get to Warsaw on that day because of a death in the
family. Touched by their plea, Captain Wesolowski agreed and gave up his seat. Moments after the aircraft took off, it
crashed and all persons on the plane were killed. His generosity had saved his life. Destiny and God watched over him,
as it had through all the war years. The next day Stefan was able to get another seat and arrived safely at the Warsaw
airport. The base commander at that time commented that Stefan lived a charmed life and indeed was lucky to be alive.

After Antonina received the telegram that Stefan was arriving, she left Gdynia with the boys and set off to Warsaw to
meet him. The joy and anticipation of the reunion after all the years of separation and suffering was almost unbearable.
Zdzislaw and Jeremii wondered aloud whether they would recognize their father but Zdzislaw was sure that he would.
When Stefan’s originally scheduled flight failed to arrive when expected, Antonina and the boys returned to their
relative’s home to await further word on the new arrival time from Frankfurt. Shortly thereafter, Stefan arrived,
unannounced, and went directly to the relative’s home in the Warsaw-Praga district. On the way he was spotted by his
son Zdzislaw, who was playing outside, and who immediately recognized his father in the uniform of an American naval
officer. No words can describe the reunion of the whole family. The long, heartbreaking separation was finally over!

Several days later, Stefan made arrangements to have his family leave with him for the United States. Upon their arrival
in France via Berlin, Stefan received orders to return to his ship, the USAT Ganandoc, an auxiliary aircraft carrier that
he commanded, for its last voyage home. Antonina and the boys had to wait their turn to board the Army transport ship,
the SS Washington, for the trip to the United States.
DECORATIONS OF CAPTAIN STEFAN P. WESOLOWSKI

POLAND

Wound Bar of Honor with three stars
Order of the Virtuti Militari, 5th class
Order of Merit, Commander
Independence Cross
Cross of Valor, 1920
Cross of Valor, 1940
Cross of Merit with Swords, 2nd class, 1942
Cross of Merit , 3rd class, 1935
Central Lithuanian Cross of Merit and Gallantry, 1921
Silesian Cross, 1921
September 1939 Cross
Polish Forces in the West Cross with Sea Battles and Convoy Bar
Silesian Uprising Cross, 1944
Medal for the War with the Soviet Union 1918-1921
Medal for the Restoration of Independence, 1935
Navy Medal, 1945
Merchant Marine Medal, 1945
Medal for the September 1939 War
Medal Rodla
20 Year Military Service Medal for Long and Faithful Service
10 Year Military Medal for Long and Faithful Service
Silesian Grand Cross
Wolyn Grand Cross
Wolyn Cross of Valor with Swords
Volunteer Army Cross of Valor
Balachowicz Cross of Valor
Cross of Freedom and Independence
Veterans of Freedom and Independence Cross
Regimental badges;
16th Infantry Regiment
Hussars of Death
Disarming Germans in Warsaw
Lwow Orleta badge
Lwow Defense Cross with Swords and Virtuti Militari
Lithuanian-White Russian Front
Silesian Star for the 3rd Silesian Uprising
Army Volunteers



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Bronze Star for Valor
Certificate of Merit. US Army
Meritorious Unit Citation, US Army
Merchant Marine Combat Medal
Merchant Marine Atlantic War Medal
Merchant Marine Pacific War Medal
Merchant Marine Mediterranean-Middle East War Medal
Merchant Marine World War II Victory Medal
Conspicuous Service Cross, The State of New York
Citations and Commendation awards



ENGLAND

The 1939-1935 Star
The Atlantic Star
The War Medal, 1939-1945
The Defense Medal WWII


FRANCE

Croix de Guerre with Palm


CHINA

War Memorial Medal for World War II


NORWAY

The 1940-1945 War Medal


EUROPE

European Combatants Cross, WW II


SOVIET UNION

Refused to accept two decorations
BIOGRAPHY OF
PROFESSOR ZDZISLAW WESOLOWSK

Hero of Two Nations: Captain Stefan P. Wesolowski
Do you really think somebody's going to read all that? Poles must not be too perceptive.
 
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Far too many cut and paste posts with no personal content.
 
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