In 1919 he joined the emerging Polish Navy as a second lieutenant. He took part in the Polish–Soviet War, initially as a liaison officer of the Riverine Flotilla of the Polish Navy from 24 March 1920 as the commander of the captured transport ship ORP Ataman, on which he participated in the clash near Łomczewo. Later he commanded the tug Champion, which he sank during the retreat on 21 July near Kaczanowicze. From August 1920, he commanded the armed ship in the Riverine Flotilla. On 30 August 1920 he was decorated by General Józef Haller for participating in the Battle of Warsaw With the Silver Cross of the Order of the Virtuti Militari. The ID of the Cross was made on a piece of printed paper. In 1921 he commanded the armed ship ORP Warneńczyk.
