Early Life and Aviation Passion
Jan Cholewa was born on December 7, 1920, into a wealthy family, which allowed him to receive a good education. He developed an interest in aviation early on, building model airplanes during his school years. He later obtained a civilian pilot’s license, setting the stage for his future career.
He was mobilized in the summer of 1939 and sent to Przysposobienia Wojskowego Lotniczego. On September 17, he was evacuated to Romania. His journey then led him to France, though he did not fly in the French campaign. On June 22, 1940, he moved to Great Britain to continue his service.
Wartime Service and Missions
In the UK, Cholewa underwent further flight courses before being assigned to the 300th Bomber Squadron. By August 1943, he had completed 30 combat sorties. Following this, he was moved to the rear, serving as an instructor in various flight schools, sharing his experience with new recruits.
His second operational tour began in early 1944, joining the 1586 Special Duties Squadron. This squadron carried out critical missions over Poland, dropping weapons and saboteurs to support the Home Army. Cholewa completed 39 such sorties on the “Halifax” bomber before transitioning to the “Liberator”.
Decorations and Later Life
Throughout the war, Jan Cholewa successfully completed a total of 110 combat missions. For his exceptional bravery and service, he was awarded the Silver Cross of Virtuti Militari (No. 8469), four Crosses of Valour (Krzyżem Walecznych), and the Distinguished Flying Medal.
In 1947, Cholewa returned to Poland, where he continued his passion for aviation by becoming an instructor at the Bielsko Aeroclub. He passed away from a heart attack on October 1, 1966, at the age of 46, and was buried in the Evangelical Cemetery in Ustroń.