Four Polish soldiers were awarded medals by the United States Army on Tuesday in Kielce, south-central Poland.
The honours for "their contribution to and participation in" the mission in Afghanistan were handed out by the charge d'affaires of the US Embassy in Warsaw, John Law.
Major Zygmunt Sabik was awarded the Medal of Merit for Service (Meritorious Service Medal), while Cpt. Leszek Wierzbicki, Cpt. Marian Orzechowski and St. Cpl. Łukasz Janus received medals of recognition (Army Commendation Medal) awarded by the Army of the United States.
Law stressed the "courage and commitment" of Polish soldiers during an operation in Afghanistan. "Military relations (between Polish and US) are stronger than ever (...) Poland stood shoulder to shoulder on the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq, we are very grateful. Both our countries have paid a huge price both in the form of resources and lives to ensure security and peace in that region," he said.
The diplomat, who himself was in Afghanistan, pointed out that Polish soldiers had distinguished themselves with professionalism and good training. (jh/rk)
Zygmunt Sabik, Marian Orzechowski, Leszek Wierzbicki, £ukasz Janus
Ewa Malcher
