A resident of the town of Strzyżów in south-eastern Poland, his life has been marked by dedicated service to his country.
The Governor of Podkarpacie Province, Teresa Kubas-Hul, described Captain Lutak as "a man of incredible strength of spirit, courage and love for his homeland."
Born in the village of Żarnowa, Strzyżów County, he volunteered for the army after completing primary school.
Following the German attack on Poland on 1 September 1939, he took part in the defensive campaign at the outbreak of the Second World War.
Captured by the Germans, he managed to escape and, from 1940 onwards, was involved in the underground activities of Poland’s Home Army, participating in sabotage missions and gathering intelligence.
After the war, he returned to his native village and worked as a farmer and butcher for many years.
In the following decades, Captain Lutak was active in the Union of War Veterans and the World Association of Home Army Soldiers.
His numerous distinctions include the Home Army Cross and the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta.
He has three children, six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
(mk/ał)