The area was defended by the Polish 2nd Legions' Infantry Regiment (part of the 2nd Legions Infantry Division), under Col. Ludwik Czyżewski, and the 146th Infantry Regiment (part of the 44th Infantry Division), under Col. Artur Pollak.
Serving at the rank of Colonel, he was the commanding officer of the Polish 2nd Podhale Rifles Regiment in Sanok, a prestigious unit of the Podhale Rifles attached to the 22nd Division.