Witold Pilecki (1901-1948) History is replete with tales of heroism and sacrifice, but few are as extraordinary as the story of Witold Pilecki, a man who volunteered to be imprisoned in Auschwitz to gather intelligence and organize resistance. This brave Polish soldier’s story remained largely unknown for decades, but his incredible courage deserves to be remembered and celebrated. Early Life and Military Career Witold Pilecki was born on May 13, 1901, in Olonets, Russia (now in Russia). He grew up in a patriotic family with a strong duty toward Poland. Pilecki's early life was marked by his involvement in Poland's struggles for independence. He served in the Polish-Soviet War (1919-1921) and was awarded the Cross of Valor twice for his bravery. The Outbreak of World War II When World War II broke out in 1939, Poland was quickly overrun by German and Soviet forces. Pilecki joined the underground resistance movement, the Polish Home Army (Armia Krajowa), and worked tirelessl
" Titanic Orphans " were the only children to be rescued from the titanic without a parent or guardian. Two little boys, Michel and Edmond Navratil , were placed on the ninth and final lifeboat by their father. As French brothers did not speak English, it took them months to identify who they were? The story began in 1912 when Michel Sr. divorced his wife, Marcelle. She was awarded full custody of the boys. Mr.Navratil was only able to see the children over weekends. So he decided to take his sons with him and start a new life in America. He had purchased three second class tickets for the RMS Titanic, boarding under the assumed name of Louis M. Hoffman with his two sons. He told other passengers that he was a widower, and that he was taking he was taking the boys to America. He rarely let them out of sight. Only once he allowed a swiss girl, Bertha Lehmann, to watch them while he played a card game. On the night of the sinking, their father dressed his sons and took