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Gradowski, Leon Michal "Michael Lis"

Date of birth:
July 7th, 1908
Date of death:
August 8th, 1994 (Angers, France)
Nationality:
Polish (1918-1939, IInd Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Podporucznik (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:
Force 399, HQ Special Operations Mediterranean (SOM), Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government
Awarded on:
January 4th, 1945
"2nd Lieutenant Gradowski was infiltrated by parachute into Albania on the 10th October 1943. He had been given a specific task by the Polish Office in CAIRO. This task he was unable to fulfil through reasons outside his control and therefore he worked with British Mission in Northern Albania. On16th November 1943 this officer took part in the battle of DIBRA. He was the sole representative of the British Mission who remained with the forward position of ALBANIAN Partisans throughout that action. His example under continuous and heavy fire at Advanced Partisans H.Q. had the greatest moral effect on the ALBANIANS and he did not withdraw until the advancing germans disposed of the Partisan Rear guard. After this action and in the face of considerable hardship GRADOWSKI by himself proceeded to locate the remainder of the Military Mission which had dispersed in the hills. This he successfully accomplished, in the face of great hardships and continued german patrolling. Throughout the winter months, although severely ill with bronchial trouble and an abscess in his earand in the face of insufficient food, inadequate shelter and bitter conditions, this officer worked with the greatest resolution and cheerfulness to stiffen in every way Partisan resistance to the germans and to collect all possible information of a political and military character. His unfailing cheerfulness endurance and bravery won the admiration and trust of the ALBANIANS at a very critical time and he did much to further British activities in that country. He was finally evacuated from ALBANIA on the 6th July 1944.

I have no hesitation in recommending him for the immediate award of the Military Cross".

SHOULD THIS AWARD BE APPROVED IT IS REQUESTED THAT NO DETAILS SHOULD BE MADE PUBLIC OR COMMUNICATION TO THE PRESS!

Dated 9th September 1944
Military Cross (MC)

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