On May 24, 1946, the Communists conducted a public execution of NSZ soldiers in Sanoku

On May 24, 1946, 1 of the most dramatic scenes of the post-war past of Poland took place in Sanoku. At the city stadium “Wierchy” communist authorities executed 2 soldiers of the National Armed Forces – Władysław Skwarc and Władysław Kudlik. Both were members of Major Antoni Żubrid's squad. This brutal demonstration of force was seen by school youths, deliberately brought by the authorities to instill fear and submission to the system.

Less than 2 weeks later, on 4 June, a 3rd associate of the same branch – Ensign Henry Ksiązek was hanged on the Sanok market. These public executions were not just an act of revenge – they were a tool of terror, aimed at the full society. The victims were buried secretly, without ceremony, without a priest, without the right to mourn. Authorities have banned cross-breeding, flowering and any signs of memory. Only after the turn of 1956 a modest cross was erected, and after 1989 - worthy commemorative plaques.

Major Antoni Żubrid's branch was 1 of the most organized and effective armed groups opposition to the fresh communist reality. Żubrid, before the war a soldier of the Polish Army, and then a associate of the National Army and counterintelligence of the NSZ, did not lay down his weapon after 1944. His branch operated mainly in the Podkarpacia area, from Sanok to the Krosna and Brzozów area. It consisted of ex-acracists, nationalists and local volunteers – people who did not accept the Sovietization of Poland and the brutal regulation of the safety apparatus.

Żubryd's soldiers led a guerrilla battle: they attacked militia and UB stations, liquidated agents and government officers, conducted sabotage operations. Their actions were fast, effective and well organized – for a long time they eluded the safety busts and divisions of the CBW.

The character of Żubrid was a legend inactive alive. For communist authorities he was a dangerous bandit, for local residents – a hero. He died in October 1946, shot with his wife Janina by his erstwhile companion, who was recruited by UB. His death did not end his memory of the troop fighting. On the contrary – over time Żubrid became a symbol of integrity, courage and discord to betray national sovereignty. present his soldiers are worshipped as the Cursed Soldiers—those who did not lay down their weapons while others chose silence.