Complak, Karol Józef

Nationality:: Polish (1918-1939, IInd Republic)

Biography

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Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Podpulkownik (Lieutenant-colonel)
Unit:: 1st Polish Highland Battalion, 3rd Polish Infantry Brigade, 1st Polish Armoured Division, Polish Armed Forces in the West

"On 12th April 1945 in the Tange-Onstwedde/Holland/ the Ist Infantry Brigade attacked a strongly defended enemy position under extremely heavy enemy fire. Lieutenant Colonel Complak seeing that our attack was held up by enemy fire, put his command post in the area of the forward company, and despising the personal danger, commanded and co-ordinated the attack of the leading company's. With the support of the self propelled guns, which were playing the part of infantry support tanks, thus making it possible for the attack to go forward. In this way, being in the fore front of the attack and giving a fine display of bravery and coolness, Lieutenant Colonel Complak stormed with his men the first row of houses in Tange. In no time the localities of Tange and Onstwedde were taken, the enemy had heavy losses / 70 Killed and more than 100 prisoners/ our losses were exceedingly small. Without Lieutenant Colonel Complak's presence, this attack on very heavily defended enemy's position, would have been very costly, both in men and time lost. Throughout the fighting in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, Lieutenant Colonel Complak has shown great coolness and personal bravery and been an example of true Soldier's bravery on the Battlefield."

- Dated 28th June 1945