A Polish Order of Military Virtue was offered for sale on a Ukrainian website, prompting an investigation and contact from the victim’s family.
Investigation Launched After Order Listed for Sale
On Tuesday, March 17th, the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) reported an offer for sale of an item described as the Order of Military Virtue on a Ukrainian internet portal. The order was believed to belong to Captain Juliusz Roman Heinzel.
The auction was labeled “scandalous” and “an example of trading in Polish memory.” The Polish embassy in Kyiv also became involved, with Ambassador Piotr Łukaszewicz stating the diplomatic mission was in constant contact with Ukrainian authorities to clarify the circumstances and secure the decoration.
Family of Captain Heinzel Contacts IPN
Representatives of Captain Heinzel’s family contacted the IPN. On March 18th, the IPN issued a new statement confirming that the genuine order is in the family’s possession.
The IPN stated that the offered item may be a copy or a forgery, constituting an attempted fraud. The institute emphasized that the memory of victims should not be subject to trade or manipulation, regardless of authenticity.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Comments on the Case
Maciej Wewiór, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commented on the IPN’s statement. He noted that the initial IPN post about the “scandalous auction” generated over 60,000 views and fueled political debate.
Wewiór echoed Ambassador Łukaszewicz’s call for verification of information and the dissemination of only official statements, particularly given the ongoing war and propaganda efforts.
Who Was Captain Juliusz Roman Heinzel?
Captain Juliusz Roman Heinzel was a descendant of prominent Łódź industrialists of German origin and a hero of the war against the Bolsheviks. He commanded a squadron in the 16th Greater Poland Uhlan Regiment.
He was awarded the Silver Cross of the Order of Military Virtue, the Commemorative Medal for the War of 1918-1921, and the Medal for the Tenth Anniversary of Regained Independence. He returned to active military service in September 1939, was captured by the Soviets, and murdered by the NKVD in Kharkiv in 1940, along with approximately 3,800 other Polish officers.
Captain Heinzel’s remains were reburied at the Cemetery of Victims of Totalitarianism in Kharkiv on June 17, 2000.
