Walenty Marciniak

[Al-muell]

A somewhat intriguing, yet small group to a WW2 vet - deputy commander for political-educational issues of the 6th medical-sanitary squadron of the 1st independent cavalry brigade.
He held the rank of podporucznik (lieutenant). After the war he probably was a policeman for some time (at least a stamp on his Grunwald badge doc may suggest that, this would also explain his "For participation in the Fights in defense of the People's Rule" medal).
Interestingly, a photograph from his officer's ID shows him wearing a wound badge and two ribbons. A close inspection allows us to identify the ribbons as being Cross of Merit (probably) and "Poland to it's Defender" medal - an award that was given to the participants of the Polo-Soviet war!
His reserve officer ID from 50's says that before 1939 he served 2 years and 9 months in private and NCO ranks and 1month in NCO rank. This all seems to indicate that he took part in the Polish-Soviet War, where he was wounded and for some reason received the cross of merit (bronze, as it was the only class that could have been given to privates and NCOs) with an acompanying promotion one rank. What's even more interesting, there's plutonowy (nco rank) Walenty Marciniak listed as awarded the order of Virtuti Militari Order V class for the 1918-1920 war in the 55th infantry regiment. That regiment was based in the Greater Poland region, while Walenty Marciniak was from Poznań, so it fits geografically and the rank also fits, but the award is different, so it is either amistake or it's another Walenty Marciniak. That is yet to be checked.
His service in the polo-soviet war may bean explaination for lack of any awards a WW2 vet would normally get, like V&F medal for example. On the other hand one may wander why he was made a political officer in the first place.

This group consists of:
"For Participation in the fights for Berlin" medal with doc
"For Participation in the fights in defense of the People's Rule" medal with doc
Grunwald badge with doc

Also present:
WW2 officer's ID (if someone is interested in more pics of this doc and it's comparison to a Soviet counterpart, check here: Dowód osobisty oficera 1SBK - zdjêcia, foto galerie, fotki, zdjêcie)
Postwar reserve officer ID
2 Award boxes

[Al-muell]

award docs

[Al-muell]

Reserve Officer's ID