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© copyright 1997 by Z. Wesolowski and FEEFHS, all rights reserved How to Obtain More Information BACKGROUND (by Professor Z. Wesolowski) "The Polish Order of the Virtuti Militari was established in 1792 by King Stanislaw August Poniatowski to recognize and reward outstanding military valor above and beyond the call of duty. It is one of the oldest decorations for valor in the world. It can be awarded to the same person in five different classes. It can also be awarded to civilians in exceptional circumstances as well as foreign military personnel for valorous service during a time of war." "It is equivalent in stature to the U.S. Medal of Honor and the Brirtish Victoria Cross. In addition to Poles who received the order, there were foreigners from the United States, England, France, Japan, Italy, Belgium, Romania, Estonia, Yugoslavia, Serbia and Latvia who have received it. It has taken 10 years of research for Professor Zdizislaw P. Wesolowski to compile this list of 24,039 first and last names of recipients. He claims it is 99.999% complete and is the only list of this kind in the world." Professor Zdzislaw P. Wesolowski, Ph.D. P, O. Box 291465 Davie, Florida, 33329-1465, USA eMail address: zwesolowsk@aol.com Related Web Sites: How to Obtain More Information |