Leon Berbecki

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Leon Berbecki (1875-1963) was a Polish engineer and general.

Served as an officer in the Russian Army but joined the Polish Legions during World War I (commander of a regiment, battalion, member of headquarters). Distinguished himself in the Battle of Raśna in 1915. After the Oath crisis in 1917 headed the Polish Auxiliary Corps and was the training inspector in Polnische Wehrmacht. After Poland regained independence in 1918, joined the Polish Army, promoted to general in June that year, fought in the Polish-Ukrainian War and Polish-Soviet War (commanded the 3rd Polish Legions Division). During interwar peace time, he held various functions in the Polish Army; retired in March 1939. He did not participate in Polish September Campaign, but was arrested by the Nazi Germany and interned along with other Polish officers. Returned to Poland in 1945; in 1959 he published memoires "Pamiętnik generała broni" (Memoires of a General).

Receipent of Virtuti Militari (V class), Polonia Restituta (III class), Cross of Independence with Swords, Cross of Valor (4 times) and Cross of Merit (5 times).