Medals from Poland
Polish Military Medals & Awards from WW1, WW2 and More
The history of Poland spans over a thousand years and can be traced to the Iron Age, when the territory was settled by various tribes including Celts, Scythians, Germanic clans, Sarmatians, Slavs, and Balts. The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was established in 1569, one of Europe’s largest countries. A series of invasions and partitions of Polish territory followed in the 18th century, carried out by the Russian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Habsburg Monarchy. The opportunity to regain sovereignty only materialized after World War I.
Millions of Polish citizens perished in the course of the Nazi occupation of Poland between 1939 and 1945 through planned genocide and extermination. The modern Polish state, or Third Polish Republic, was founded in 1989.
Popular Polish Medals, Orders & Decorations
Explore the most renowned medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by Poland.
The Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
The Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland was created in 1974 and is awarded to persons who have rendered great service to the country.
The Order of the Cross of Independence
The Order of the Cross of Independence was established in 2010 to honor those who had served voluntarily between the years of 1939 and 1956.
The Order of Polonia Restituta
The Order of Polonia Restituta is a Polish state order conferred on military, civilians, or foreigners for outstanding achievements.
The War Order of Virtuti Militari
The War Order of Virtuti Militari was created in 1792 by Stanisław II August and is Poland’s highest military decoration for heroism.
The Order of the White Eagle (Poland)
The Order of the White Eagle (or Order Orła Białego in Polish) is Poland’s highest order, awarded to both civilians and military for merit.
All Polish Medals
from Before WW1
Before World War I, Poland was partitioned among neighboring empires, and its ability to award medals was limited. However, Polish military units fighting in the armies of partitioning powers, as well as in foreign armies such as the French Foreign Legion, may have been awarded medals from those countries for their service.
The Military Order Of The Duchy Of Warsaw
The Military Order Of The Duchy Of Warsaw 1811-1814 is a rare award from the Duchy of Warsaw, which was officially created by Napoleon I.
The Order of Saint Stanislaus
The Order of Saint Stanislaus is a Russian dynastic order of knighthood founded in 1765 by King Stanisław II Augustus.
The War Order of Virtuti Militari
The War Order of Virtuti Militari was created in 1792 by Stanisław II August and is Poland’s highest military decoration for heroism.
The Order of the White Eagle (Poland)
The Order of the White Eagle (or Order Orła Białego in Polish) is Poland’s highest order, awarded to both civilians and military for merit.
Polish Medals from WW1
and the Interwar Period
During World War I, Poland was not an independent state, but many Poles fought in various armies on different fronts. Polish soldiers serving in the armies of the Central Powers or the Allied Powers may have been awarded medals from those countries for their service. Additionally, Poles serving in the French military may have received French medals, as France was a key ally of Poland’s cause for independence
The Cross of Independence (Poland)
The Cross of Independence had three versions and was awarded to individuals who had fought heroically for the independence of Poland.
The Commemorative Medal For the War 1918-1921
The Commemorative Medal For the War 1918-1921 medal was awarded to military who served against Soviet Russian forces.
The Medal for Long Service
The Medal for Long Service is a decoration from Poland awarded in three classes to members of the Armed Forces and other uniformed services.
The Medal for Sacrifice and Courage
The Medal for Sacrifice and Courage was established in 1960 and is awarded to those who, with disregard for their own life, help others.
The Cross of Merit (Poland)
The Cross of Merit is a civil state decoration of Poland established on June 23, 1923, to recognize services to the state.
The Cross of Merit for Bravery (Poland)
The Cross of Merit for Bravery is awarded for selfless bravery in the defense of the law, national borders, and life and property.
The Cross of Valor (Poland)
The Cross of Valor is a military decoration from Poland first introduced in 1920 for deeds of valour and courage on the field of battle.
The Order of Polonia Restituta
The Order of Polonia Restituta is a Polish state order conferred on military, civilians, or foreigners for outstanding achievements.
Polish Medals from
the WW2 Period
During World War II, Poland was invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Despite the occupation, Polish military units continued to fight alongside Allied forces, and Polish soldiers were awarded medals from Allied countries for their bravery and service. Additionally, the Polish government-in-exile awarded its own military decorations to recognize the service and sacrifices of Polish soldiers fighting for the liberation of their homeland.
The Medal of Victory and Freedom 1945
The Medal of Victory and Freedom 1945 was a military decoration awarded to persons who fought during World War II against Nazi Germany.
The Silesian Uprising Cross
The Silesian Uprising Cross is a Polish military decoration awarded to veterans of the Silesian Uprisings those active in Silesia in WW2.
The Partisan Cross (Poland)
The Partisan Cross was a Polish military decoration introduced by the Council of Ministers in 1945 and awarded to World War II partisans.
The Order of the Cross of Grunwald
The Order of the Cross of Grunwald is a military decoration created in Poland in November 1943 and conferred for merit in combat.
The Monte Cassino Commemorative Cross
The Monte Cassino Commemorative Cross was awarded to all soldiers of the Polish II Corps who fought in the battle of Monte Cassino.
The Army Medal for War 1939-45
The Army Medal for War 1939-45 was created in 1945 to reward members of the Polish ground forces for service during World War II.
The Cross of Merit with Swords (Poland)
The Cross of Merit with Swords is a military award of Poland established October 19, 1942, by the Polish Government in Exile.
Polish Medals from
the Post-WW2 Period
Polish medals awarded after World War II reflect the country’s complex history and the various political changes it underwent. These decorations were often instituted to recognize military and civilian contributions to rebuilding and defending the nation, as well as to honor acts of bravery, service, and achievements in various fields.
The Pro Memoria Medal
The Pro Memoria Medal is a Polish civil state decoration awarded by the head of the Office for War Veterans and Victims of Oppression.
The Pro Patria Medal
The Pro Patria Medal is a Polish civil state decoration established in 2011 and awarded to War Veterans and Victims of Oppression.
The Medal for Merit to Culture Gloria Artis
The Medal for Merit to Culture Gloria Artis is a decoration awarded for distinguished contributions to the Polish culture and heritage.
The Polish Army Medal
The Polish Army Medal was established to recognize service to the Polish Army by foreign civilians and military personnel.
The Medal of Merit for National Defense
The Medal of Merit for National Defense is a decoration of the Ministry of National Defense of Poland established 21 April 1966.
The Medal of the Armed Forces in the Service of the Fatherland
The Medal of the Armed Forces in the Service of the Fatherland is a decoration awarded for long service and excellent work in the army.
The Warsaw Uprising Cross
The Warsaw Uprising Cross was a decoration established on July 3, 1981 in order to honor the participants of the Warsaw Uprising of 1944.
The Auschwitz Cross
The Auschwitz Cross was a Polish decoration awarded to honor survivors of Nazi German concentration camps, including Auschwitz.
The Order of the Banner of Work
The Order of the Builders of People’s Poland was the highest civil decoration of Poland in the times of the People’s Republic of Poland.
The Order of the Builders of People’s Poland
The Order of the Builders of People’s Poland was the highest civil decoration of Poland in the times of the People’s Republic of Poland.
The Home Army Cross or Armia Krajowa Cross
The Home Army Cross is a military decoration that commemorates the efforts of the soldiers of the Polish Secret State between 1939 and 1945.
The Virtus et Fraternitas Medal
The Virtus et Fraternitas Medal was established on 9 November 2017 and awarded to those who provided aid and assistance to Polish citizens.
The Cross of Freedom and Solidarity
The Cross of Freedom and Solidarity was established in 2010 to honor killed, wounded or imprisoned members of the democratic opposition.
The Medal for Long Marital Life
The Medal for The Medal for Long Marital Life was established in 1960 and awarded to couples who have been married for at least 50 years.
The Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
The Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland was created in 1974 and is awarded to persons who have rendered great service to the country.
The Order of the Cross of Independence
The Order of the Cross of Independence was established in 2010 to honor those who had served voluntarily between the years of 1939 and 1956.
The Order of the Military Cross (Poland)
The Order of the Military Cross (or Order Krzyża Wojskowego) is a Polish order established in 2006 and awarded for distinguished service.