We presented the emission stamp "American pilots in defense of Lviv 1920"

August 17 this year. We presented a special emission stamp "American pilots in defense of Lviv 1920". The broadcast is accompanied by the first day of circulation (FDC) and date stamp.

The presentation of the postage stamp took place at the Air Force Museum in Dęblin. The author of the issue project, Roch Stefaniak, presented the 7th Hunting Squadron on the stamp. T. Kościuszko and the images of pilots: Major Cedrica Fauntleroy and Capt. Merian C. Cooper. In the background of the graphics, the outline of the Lviv map is visible. In the lower part of the value, the flags of Poland and the USA and the coat of arms of the 7th Kościuszko Squadron were placed.

Thanks to the initiative and efforts of Capt. Merian C. Cooper, American volunteers became famous for their participation in the Polish-Bolshevik war as part of the 7th Hunting Squadron Tadeusz Kościuszko. The squadron fought over the sliding front line between Lviv and Kiev. Pilots stood out especially in the fighting with the connica of Marshal Budionny. In the crucial for the fate of the war of August 1920, the Americans performed 79 combat flights and in the opinion of many professionals saved Lviv from entering the city of Budionny troops.

Capt. Merian C. Cooper was taken prisoner from which he managed to escape. On the other hand, three other American pilots were killed during flights in the squadron and were buried at the Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv. Other pilots returned to the United States after the war. All of them became honorary members of the Association of Polish Army Veterans in America (SWAP) founded in 1921.

About the stamp:

Project author: Roch Stefaniak
Number of stamps: 1
Value: 3.90 PLN
Edition: 120,000
Print technique: rotogigiura
Mark format: 31.25 x 43 mm
Paper: fluorescent
sales sheet: 50 stamps
Date of circulation: August 17 2023