We presented a postage stamp from the issue "American Pilots in the Defense of Lviv 1920"

On August 17th of this year, we presented a special postage stamp from the "American Pilots in the Defense of Lviv 1920" issue. The issue is accompanied by a First Day Cover (FDC) and a date stamp.

The presentation of the postage stamp took place at the Air Force Museum in Dęblin. The issue's designer, Roch Stefaniak, depicted an aircraft of the 7th Kościuszko Fighter Squadron on the stamp, along with images of its pilots: Major Cedric Fauntleroy and Captain Merian C. Cooper. The background of the image features an outline of a map of Lviv. The lower part of the stamp features the flags of Poland and the United States, along with the coat of arms of the 7th Kościuszko Squadron.

Thanks to the initiative and efforts of Captain Merian C. Cooper, American volunteers gained fame for their participation in the Polish-Soviet War as part of the 7th Tadeusz Kościuszko Fighter Squadron. The squadron fought over the shifting front line between Lviv and Kiev. The pilots particularly distinguished themselves in battles with Marshal Budyonny's cavalry. In August 1920, a crucial month for the war, the Americans flew 79 combat missions and, according to many experts, saved Lviv from the entry of Budyonny's troops.

Captain Merian C. Cooper himself was captured, from which he managed to escape. Three other American airmen died while flying with the squadron and were buried at the Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv. The remaining pilots returned to the United States after the war. All became honorary members of the Polish Army Veterans Association of America (SWAP), founded in 1921.

About the stamp:

Designer: Roch Stefaniak
Number of stamps: 1
Value: PLN 3.90
Circulation: 120,000
Printing technique: rotogravure
Stamp format: 31.25 x 43 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Sales sheet: 50 stamps
Date of circulation: August 17, 2023