Józef Kowalski facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Józef Kowalski
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Born | Smerekivka, Lviv, Austria-Hungary (now Ukraine) |
2 February 1900
Died | (age 113 years, 308 days) |
7 December 2013
Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/ |
Polish Army |
Years of service | 1919–1921; 1939 |
Rank | Captain |
Unit | ![]() |
Battles/wars | Polish-Soviet War September Campaign |
Awards | Order of Polonia Restituta; "Pro Memoria" Medal |
Józef Kowalski was an amazing Polish veteran who lived for 113 years! He was born on February 2, 1900, and passed away on December 7, 2013. He was known as the last Polish soldier who served right after World War I. For a time, he was also the oldest verified military veteran in the entire world.
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A Life of Service: Who Was Józef Kowalski?
Józef Kowalski was a brave soldier from Poland. He joined the Polish Army and served his country during important times in history. He was a Captain in the 22nd Regiment of Ułanów, which was a type of cavalry unit.
Fighting in the Polish-Soviet War
One of the most important events in Józef Kowalski's military career was the Polish–Soviet War. This war happened between 1919 and 1921. It was a conflict that took place not long after World War I ended. Józef Kowalski was one of the very few people known to have definitely fought in this war and lived for so long afterwards.
He also took part in the September Campaign in 1939. This was when World War II began.
His Long and Honored Life
Józef Kowalski lived an incredibly long life. He was 113 years old when he died. He spent his later years living in a care home in Tursk, a town near Sulęcin in Poland.
For his service, he received special honors. These included the Order of Polonia Restituta and the "Pro Memoria" Medal. These awards showed how much his country appreciated his bravery and dedication.