Polish army retired Lt. Col. Jan Kudla, a WW II veteran, raises his hand to salute Brig. Gen. Stanislaw Czosnek (not pictured), commander of the 11th Armored Cavalry Division while Col. Christopher Norrie, commander of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division looks on during their visit to Kudla’s home Jan. 31, 2017, in Zielona Gora, Poland. Kudla joined the Polish army as an officer in 1941 and fought in battles in France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands during World War II. For his bravery during the war, he was awarded the Cross of Valor, which is equivalent to the Legio
Polish army retired Lt. Col. Jan Kudla, a WW II veteran, raises his hand to salute Brig. Gen. Stanislaw Czosnek (not pictured), commander of the 11th Armored Cavalry Division while Col. Christopher Norrie, commander of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division looks on during their visit to Kudla’s home Jan. 31, 2017, in Zielona Gora, Poland. Kudla joined the Polish army as an officer in 1941 and fought in battles in France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands during World War II. For his bravery during the war, he was awarded the Cross of Valor, which is equivalent to the Legion of Merit. Kudla has also received the Order of Polonia Restituta, which is conferred to both military and civilians as well as to foreigners for outstanding achievements in the fields of education, science, sport, culture, art, economics, national defense, social work, civil service, or for furthering good relations between countries. After his retirement in 1982, he worked in various veteran organizations including serving as the president of the Western Area Association of Social Veterans. When asked how he felt about American forces being in Poland, Kudla said, “I am very glad that you all are here. We met twice, the first time in Germany and France, and now meeting here after many years have passed.” 3rd ABCT, 4th ID is here as the first rotation of back-to-back armored brigades in Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve. forces will focus on strengthening capabilities and sustaining readiness through bilateral and multinational training and exercise.
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