Ludwika Wawrzyńska

On February 8, 1955 she rescued four children from a burning house where they had been locked by their parents as they were leaving for work.

She died ten days later, on February 18, from severe burns.

Wawrzyńska acquired a hero status in Poland and became a symbol of selfless sacrifice.

She was awarded the Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta.

Wisława Szymborska and Leopold Staff wrote poems in her praise.