Bolesław Gładych

Bolesław (Michal) Gładych (1915- ), was a Polish fighter pilot, a flying ace of the World War II. He graduated summa cum laude from the Polish Air Force Academy and served with distinction in a number of air units, including the famous No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron.

In all he flew for four different air forces: Polish, French, RAF, and USAAF. Better known by his middle name (Mike), in 1942 he joined the Royal Air Force, scoring eight kills. In 1943, he joined the USAAF, and was posted on the 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, flying P-47 Thunderbolt. He scored ten further kills on P-47s, and ten more on ground.

Gladych was known as a hot-rock pilot and a passionate fighter. It is claimed he intentionally lied that the total of his victories was less than it actually was lest he be promoted and transferred off his flying duties. His P-47s were named "Pengie" (Pengie I - Pengie V), sporting a cartoon of penguin on cowling.

After the war "Mike" Gladych moved to United States and settled in Seattle, Washington, obtaining a Ph.D. degree. He and his wife, Elizabeth, still live in the area, where Dr. Gladych practices psychotherapy.