Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

British Military Mission to Greece (BMMG), Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

September 28th, 1944

"Sgt John SOROKA was in charge of some 60 Poles which had escaped from German labour Bns and other units and had reported to the Allied Mission in GREECE. The senor British officer of this area reports: -
Sgt John SOROKA, having escaped from a German Labour Bn in Aug 43, served with ELAS Andaites until asked to take part in the civil war. He then joined the Allied Military Mission. From Nov until Feb he has been the senior Polish NCO in command of 60 of his fellow countrymen. In Feb 44 when this band of Poles was evacuated he and 20 volunteers remained to assist the Allied Mission in military operations. In the last 5 months he has taken active part in 6 successful railway operations and in addition has been engaged frequently in reconnaissances and journeys in enemy held country, carrying arms and explosives. He showed a very high standard of personal courage and coolness in an attack on his Mission station on 16 June and through his good example maintained a high standard of discipline and morale in his band of Poles, for whose good work I have nothing but praise.
For his excellent conduct, coolness and bravery under fire, and as recognition of the Polish band which has fully supported the Allied Mission, it is recommended that Sgt SOROKA be awarded the Military Medal."