Stefan Dąb-Biernacki

He was a member of the Polish Legions in World War I, and he later fought in the Polish-Soviet War commanding various regiments and the 1st Legions Infantry Division. He became distinguished during the retreat from Ukraine during the Polish–Ukrainian War, and during battles in 1920 on Vistula and Niemen, after which he received the Virtuti Militari medal. However, he was also criticised by some for using risky strategies which resulted in heavy casualties.

He served as commander of the 1st Legions Infantry Division until 1926, and worked with GISZ until 1930, thereafter serving as an inspector of the army. In 1931 he caused controversy by ordering the assault and imprisonment of one of his political opponents, journalist Stanisław Cywiński.

During the 1939 Invasion of Poland he served as commander of Prusy Army and later of the Northern Front. After the defeat at Battle of Tomaszów Lubelski, he managed to evacuate to France through Hungary. He was criticised for his actions; particularly for abandoning his units during retreat beyond the Vistula. He was imprisoned by the Allies in London and demoted to the rank of private.[2] He was then allowed to leave for the Irish Free State and was eventually allowed to settle in Wales.

• Knight's Cross of the Order of Virtuti Militari (previously awarded the Gold Cross and Silver Cross)
• Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta
• Cross of Independence
• Cross of Valour (four times)
• Gold Cross of Merit
• Chevalier of the Legion of Honour (France)
• Order of Lāčplēsis (Latvia)
• Order of the White Eagle (Serbia)
• Officer's badge "Parasol"

• Janusz Odziemkowski, Leksykon Wojny Polsko-Rosyjskiej 1919-1920, Oficyna Wydawnica RYTM, 2004, ISBN 83-7399-096-8, p. 220