Waldemar Szwiec was born in the United States in the family of Polish emigrants. In 1922, when he was 7 years old, Poland won the war against the Bolsheviks. As a result, his father decided to come back to his homeland.

During the defensive war in September 1939, Waldemar Szwiec fought against the Germans in the 15th Infantry Division. He took part in the Battle of Bzura and the defense of Warsaw. After the capitulation of the capital city, he escaped from German captivity and fled to France. He joined General Stanislaw Maczek's Brigade and fought in the French campaign.

Waldemar Szwiec knew that one must suffer many defeats in order to reach the goal. He also understood that the conditions of war, battles and the whole march change, and one must have a great ability to adapt to the circumstances that the world brings,

said the IPN’s President during the event

After the defeat of France, he made his way on a stolen yacht to Gibraltar, from where he was transported to the UK. The American citizenship, which he held due to his place of birth, was of a great help during his journey. In September 1941, Szwiec became a parachutist of the Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade in the UK. On 24 August 1942, he went back to Poland in order to join the Home Army. He was killed by the Germans near the city of Końskie.