The Order of the Military Cross (or Order Krzyża Wojskowego in Polish) is a Polish order established on 18 October 2006 and awarded for “distinguished service, sacrifice, and courage in actions against terrorism in the country or during foreign deployments of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland in times of peace.”
The Military Cross was established by the Law of 14 June 2007, which amended the Act of 16 October 1992, concerning medals and decorations. This law saw the creation of the Military Cross along with the Military Cross of Merit, Navy Cross of Merit, Air Force Cross of Merit and the Medal for Long Service. The change was implemented on 9 October 2007.
According to the previously mentioned law, “The Military Cross has the distinction of being the reward for acts of bravery and courage made during operations against acts of terrorism in the country, or during the use of the Polish Armed Forces outside the country in time of peace.” In the order of precedence of Polish medals, it ranks behind the Cross of Valor and the Cross of Merit for Bravery.
The Order has three classes:
- Grand Cross (Krzyż Wielki)
- Commander’s Cross (Krzyż Komandorski)
- Knight’s Cross (Krzyż Kawalerski)
