Cabinet of Medals for the USS Gillette

Pieces of the Gillette's History

Polish Naval Emblem Acquired 1944/45 in Great Britain	US Navy Officer's Emblem, possibly given to T. Szczypiorski by Lt. Smindak, Engineering Officer of the USS Gillette	US Navy I.D. Bracelet of Crewmate T. Szczypiorski (MM 3C)
The story of this bracelet comes to us without evidence to prove or disprove it. Here it is, presented to you as it was told to me by my father, Crewmate T. A. Szczypiorski (MM/3C): ‘Upon visiting Great Britain during one of the escort duties assigned to the Gillette, my father enjoyed a brief respite from his "Black Gang" duty with a bit of shore leave. Upon visiting a number of sites of interest (and pubs as well, to be sure), he was approached by a shipmate of the Gillette who said, “Hey Ted, there's some Polish big shot in here - you speak the lingo, so come on in.” Upon entering, my father would meet the ‘big shot’, who was none other than General Sikorski of the Polish Army (in exile). They shared a pint or two, spoke of home and family, and of a peace long missed in such a turbulent time. To commemorate their meeting, General Sikorski gave my father the bracelet shown here. Cherished by our family, it is a piece of history that survives today. Tragically, General Sikorski would perish in an air crash over Gibralter a short time later. So high is the price of freedom. - W. F. S.