Witold Modelski (1932–1944) - the youngest Warsaw Uprising soldier awarded The Cross of Valor
Witold Modelski was born on the anniversary of regaining the independence - Nov 11th 1932. During first days of the Uprising his parents died in bombardment of their house in Wola district. The 11-year-old Witold quickly volounteered to join the battle, gained himself a weapon on his own.
At first, he took part in the battles of Old Town, as a liason of "Gozdawa" batalion. He quickly became famous because of his bravery and persistence. He took part in battle of Polish Bank near Bielańska street on August 20th. Send with a call to help to Polish engineers, he managed to make through under heavy fire that Germans put using grenade and mine launchers. Thanks to that, engineers have been able to support Polish units in the battle. Few days later, on August 23rd, "The Warsaw Kid" has been promoted to Corporal and awarded The Cross of Valor for his courage, becoming the youngest Uprising soldier awarded this award.
After Old Town's fall, he guided last group of the "Parasol" batalion's rear guard through the sewers to the Downtown. In Septemter get reassigned from "Gozdawa" batalion to "Parasol" batalion and sent to Czerniaków district.
Killed in action on September 20th 1944 in Czerniaków while defending one of the last houses on Wilanowska street. After the War got exhumed and burried on the Powązki Military Cementery, together with his brothers in arms from "Parasol" batalion.
