Cross of Valour (Poland) Facts for Kids

This article is about Cross of Valour (disambiguation)|Cross of Valour. For other uses, see Cross of Valour (Poland) (disambiguation).

Quick facts for kids Cross of Valour Krzyż Walecznych
The People's Republic of Poland version of the medal and ribbon.

Country	Poland
Type	Single-grade medal.
Awarded for	Deeds of valour and courage on the field of battle.
Status	In the award system but a wartime decoration only
Description	Obverse bears the words, "NA POLU CHWAŁY" ("ON THE FIELD OF GLORY"), while the reverse bears the word, "WALECZNYM" ("TO THE VALIANT"), and the date "1920" or "1944," depending on date of institution.
Clasps	denotes subsequent awards
Statistics
Established	11 August 1920.
Precedence
Next (higher)	Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.
Next (lower)	Military Cross.
Polish-Soviet War period medal

The Cross of Valour (which in Polish is called Krzyż Walecznych) is a special award given to soldiers in Poland. It was first created on August 11, 1920, by a group called the Council of National Defense. This award is given to people who show great bravery and courage during battles. A soldier can receive this medal up to four times for different acts of bravery. It is usually given out during wars or soon after they end.

History of the Cross of Valour
See also

History of the Cross of Valour

When Was It First Given?

The Cross of Valour was created in 1920. This was during a big conflict called the Polish-Soviet War. It was just before a very important battle, the Battle of Warsaw. At first, the Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Army personally gave out the medal. Later, other commanders could also give it.

By May 29, 1923, about 60,000 soldiers had received the Cross of Valour for their actions in the Polish-Soviet War. The medal was also given to soldiers who fought in earlier conflicts. These included the Polish Legions from World War I. It was also given to those who fought in the Silesian Uprisings and the Great Poland Uprising. Even veterans from the January 1863 Uprising received it. The city of Płock was also honored with this award.

The Cross During World War II

In January 1940, during World War II, the Polish Commander-in-Chief, Władysław Sikorski, brought the Cross of Valour back. On September 20, the President of Poland agreed to give the medal again. This included people who had already received it four times during the Polish-Soviet War.

After World War II

In 1943, after the Battle of Lenino, General Zygmunt Berling awarded the Cross of Valour to several soldiers. He was the commander of the Polish 1st Corps, which was supported by the Soviet Union. The medal became an official military award again on December 22, 1944. This was decided by the communist-led State National Council. By 1947, about 40,000 of these medals were given out. They were awarded to Polish soldiers who fought alongside the Red Army.