The War Order of Virtuti Militari (meaning “For Military Virtue” in Latin; Order Wojenny Virtuti Militari in Polish) was created in 1792 by Polish King Stanisław II August to commemorate the victorious Battle of Zieleńce and is Poland’s highest military decoration for heroism and courage in the face of the enemy at war. It’s the oldest military decoration in the world still in use.
The War Order of Virtuti Militari is awarded in five classes either for personal heroism or, to commanders, for leadership. Some of the heroic actions recognized by an award of the Virtuti Militari are equivalent to those meriting the British Victoria Cross, the German Iron Cross, and the American Medal of Honor.
Since the destruction of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1795, the award has been reintroduced, renamed, and banned several times. Throughout the decoration’s existence, thousands of soldiers and officers, Polish and foreign, several cities (and one ship) have been awarded the Virtuti Militari for valor or outstanding leadership in war.
Poland regained its independence in 1918 as the Second Republic of Poland and the Polish Sejm reintroduced the Virtuti Militari on 1 August the following year under a new official name, the “Military Award Virtuti Militari” (Order Wojskowy Virtuti Militari). The class system as introduced under the Duchy of Warsaw was:
- Grand Cross with Star, Class I: “for a commander who has achieved victory in a battle of strategic importance, resulting in total defeat of the enemy, or a successful defense that has decided the fate of a campaign.”
- Commander’s Cross, Class II: “for a commander who has achieved a notable tactical victory or a valorous and successful defense of a difficult position.”
- Knight’s Cross – Class III: for officers, NCOs, and ordinary soldiers, previously awarded the Golden Cross, for acts of outstanding bravery, risk of life, or outstanding command over his troops.
- Golden Cross – Class IV: for officers who commanded their troops with outstanding bravery and valor, and for NCOs and ordinary soldiers, previously awarded the Silver Cross, for acts of outstanding bravery and risk of life on the field of battle.
- Silver Cross – Class V: for officers, NCOs, and ordinary soldiers, for acts of outstanding bravery and risk of life on the field of battle.
There have been no new awards since 1989.
The War Order of Virtuti Militari Design
The medal is struck in silver gilt and decorated with enamels. It measures 30.75 by 40.30 mm. The obverse features a white eagle (Orzeł Biały), the national coat of arms of Poland. The reverse has the name of the order inscribed and the year of establishment.
The ribbon has a thin blue outer strip, thicker black ones, and a central blue stripe.
