Adolf Pietrasiak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adolf Pietrasiak
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|---|---|
| Born | 17 November 1916 Kośmin |
| Died | 29 November 1943 (aged 27) English Channel |
| Allegiance |  Poland France United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Polish Air Force France Armée de l'Air Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1932-1943 |
| Rank | podporucznik |
| Service number | P-2093 |
| Unit | Polish 122nd Fighter Escadrille No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron No. 92 Squadron RAF No. 308 Polish Fighter Squadron No. 317 Polish Fighter Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Polish Defensive War, World War II |
| Awards | Virtuti Militari; Cross of Valour; Distinguished Flying Medal |
Adolf Pietrasiak (born November 17, 1916 – died November 29, 1943) was a very brave Polish pilot. He was a fighter ace during World War II. This means he shot down at least five enemy planes. He was part of the Polish Air Force. He is officially credited with shooting down 8 enemy planes and helping to shoot down one more.
Contents
A Young Pilot's Journey
Adolf Pietrasiak was born in a place called Kośmin in Poland. When he was just 16, in 1932, he joined a special school. This school was for young people who wanted to become non-commissioned officers in the Air Force. It was in a city called Bydgoszcz.
After four years of training, he became a pilot. He was sent to the Polish 122nd Fighter Escadrille. This was a fighter squadron based in Cracow, Poland.
Fighting for Freedom
In September 1939, World War II began when Germany invaded Poland. This was called the Polish Defensive War. During this time, Adolf Pietrasiak's plane, a PZL P.11, was damaged. It was accidentally hit by his own side's anti-aircraft guns.
To continue fighting, he had to leave Poland. He crossed the border into Romania. From there, he traveled to France. In France, he joined a section of pilots led by a person named Kosiński. On June 5, 1940, while flying a Curtiss P-36 Hawk plane, he helped shoot down three enemy planes.
Joining the RAF
After France was invaded, Adolf Pietrasiak moved to the UK in June 1940. He joined the famous No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron. This squadron was made up of Polish pilots fighting for Britain. Later, he moved to No. 92 Squadron RAF.
In July 1941, he had a very successful month. He shot down seven German planes, which were called Bf 109s. Soon after, on July 23, he was moved to No. 308 Polish Fighter Squadron.
Shot Down and Return
On August 19, 1941, Adolf Pietrasiak's plane was shot down over France. He managed to parachute out of his plane safely. However, he hurt his leg when he landed. He then had to make a long journey back to England. He traveled through Spain and Gibraltar, finally arriving in November.
After recovering, he continued to fly. From August 24, 1942, he flew with No. 317 Polish Fighter Squadron.
Final Flight
On November 29, 1943, Adolf Pietrasiak took off in his Spitfire plane. Sadly, he never returned from that flight. His plane likely crashed into the English Channel. His body was never found. He was a true hero who fought bravely for freedom.
Awards
Adolf Pietrasiak received several important awards for his bravery:
Virtuti Militari, Silver Cross (one of Poland's highest military honors)
Cross of Valour (Poland) (awarded for acts of bravery)
Distinguished Flying Medal (a British award for bravery in air operations)
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