Wieckowski, Jan J.
(1924 - 2008)By Jennifer Moskal
84, was a Polish resistance fighter who became an international banking executive. A native of Warsaw, Wieckowski joined a scout troop at the age of 16, which took sabotage actions against the occupying German troops. He later joined the Polish underground army. In 1944 he was captured and endured a long winter march between German concentration camps. In May 1945, his camp was liberated by the British and he moved to London. He Iater moved to the United States where he earned a bachelor's and a master's degree in international economics. He worked for and eventually became an executive vice president for Girard Bank in Philadelphia. He spoke six languages, and was able to help establish Girard offices in London, New York, Mexico City, Singapore, Zurich and Paris. He also made numerous speeches on economic issues in countries around the world. After retiring from Girard, he helped Poland establish its new banking infrastructure and was rewarded with medals from two Polish presidents. He was also active in numerous Polish heritage organizations.
Source: Polish American Journal, October 2008, Vol. 97, No. 10.