Quiet Hero launched in Polish translation

It tells the story of Ryszard Kossobudzki, now 85 year-old and a resident of the United States, former insurgent in the Warsaw Rising of 1944 and a German POW in World War Two.

He found his war-time experience too painful to share with his family for many decades and it was only several years ago that, after her mother’s death, while sorting out her belongings, Rita Cosby discovered a suitcase containing mementos from the youth of the man she knew only as Richard Cosby: a worn Polish Resistance armband; rusted tags bearing a prisoner number and the words Stalag IVB; and an identity card for an ex-POW bearing the name Ryszard Kossobudzki.

Quiet Hero. Secrets from my Father’s Past reveals how Rita Cosby uncovered an amazing personal story of heroism and courage, as well as the untold secrets of her father. It also contains an account of their journey to Poland in 2009, Ryszard Kossobudzki’s first visit to his homeland in 65 years.

The book was published by the Krakow-based Rafael Publishers. Its original, English-language edition won highly favourable reviews and comments, such as “A beautiful tribute to the strength of the human spirit,” (Henry Kissinger, Former Secretary of State) and “Rita's story is one that will touch every family. . . . A loving, poignant tribute to her POW father and freedom,” (Senator John McCain).

Rita Cosby recently received The Jan III Sobieski Award for the Champion of Polish-American Cultural Exchange. (mk)