The Order of the Cross of Independence (or Order Krzyża Niepodległości in Polish) was established on 5 August 2010, to honor those who between the years of 1939-1956 voluntarily served with merit in defending the independence of the Polish State. It is fifth in the order of precedence of Polish awards and decorations.
At its establishment, it was declared to be a continuation of the Cross of Independence which was instituted on 29 October 1930.
The Order is divided into two classes:
- The Order of the Cross of Independence First Class. Awarded to those who guided the struggle or fought with arms for independence and sovereignty of the motherland with an extraordinary sacrifice.
- The Order of the Cross of Independence Second Class. Awarded to those who for a significant period of time or in circumstances of extreme danger defended the independence and sovereignty of the homeland, fighting for her recovery, or maintaining the functioning of institutions and traditions of the Polish Republic.
The Order of the Cross of Independence Design
First class
The first class cross of the Order of Independence is suspended by swords attached to a ribbon with a width of 45mm which is worn around the neck. The ribbon is blue with stripes of gold and red at the edges. The ribbon bar of the first class is denoted by a rosette at the center.
Second Class
The second class cross of the Order of the Cross of Independence is worn on the left breast suspended from a ribbon with a width of 40 mm, with colors identical to that of the first class. The ribbon bar of the second class is unadorned by any clasp or attachment.
