[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1798]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO GEN. WITOLD URBANOWICZ AND JAN NOWAK-JEZIORANSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Polish Heritage 
Week, and to remind my colleagues of the contributions made to our 
society by Polish-Americans.
  First, I would like to pay special tribute to Gen. Witold Urbanowicz. 
I was saddened to hear of his death on August 18, 1996. General 
Urbanowicz was a true hero to the Allied forces during World War II, 
serving as a fighter pilot in the Battle of Britain and in China with 
the Flying Tigers of Gen. Claire L. Chennault. For his distinguished 
service, General Urbanowicz received Poland's highest decoration for 
valor, the Order of Vertuti Militari. He was also awarded the British 
Order of Merit and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Last year, he 
received a formal promotion to general in the Polish Forces from Polish 
President Lech Walesa. His brave service will not be forgotten.
  Additionally, I would like to honor Jan Nowak-Jezioranski. On 
September 20, 1996, Nowak was awarded the highest civilian honor in the 
United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The award honored his 
service during World War II, in which he risked his life to bring vital 
information from Poland to the Allies. Later, he directed Radio Free 
Europe's Polish Service, and was a voice of hope to millions of his 
fellow Poles.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor these two great men, and to 
celebrate the contributions of all Polish-Americans during this very 
special week.

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