The Polish Army Medal

• Time Period: Post-WW2 Period
• Year of Institution: 3 September 1999
• Country: Poland

The Polish Army Medal (or Medal Wojska Polskiego in Polish) was established by Poland on 3 September 1999 to recognize service to the Polish Army by foreign civilians and military personnel, who have made particular merit in the field of cooperation of the Polish Army with the armed forces of other countries.

The medal is presented by the Polish Minister of National Defence in three grades:

• 1st degree – Gold Medal of the Polish Army.
• 2nd degree – Silver Medal of the Polish Army.
• 3rd degree – Bronze Medal of the Polish Army.

Most awards are presented to members of allied armed forces, but the medal is also awarded to civilians who contribute to promoting the history and traditions of the Polish Army outside of Poland.

The Polish Army Medal may be awarded to persons who:

• Actively support the peaceful activities of the Polish Army in the international arena.
• Contributed to the development of the defense potential of the Republic of Poland.
• They have been particularly distinguished in the field of cooperation within multinational units, which include units of the Polish Army, including primarily in integrating commands, staffs and military units at all levels of command (management).
• Contributed to the popularization of the history and tradition of the Polish Army on the international arena.

The Polish Army Medal Design

The badge of the Polish Army Medal is a round medal with a diameter of 36 mm, framed with a laurel wreath.

On the obverse of the medal there is a Maltese cross covered with red enamel. In the center of the cross there is a silver eagle with the sign of the Ministry of National Defense. There are bundles of rays between the arms of the cross. The wreath, the border of the cross, the bundles of rays and the reverse are gilded, silvered or patinated brown, depending on the grade of the medal. On the reverse side there is an embossed stylized inscription in two lines: “WOJSKO / POLSKIE”.

The medal badge is hung on a ribbon 65 mm long and 38 mm wide, in vertical stripes, symmetrically placed towards the center, in the colors from the edge: steel – 6 mm wide, gold – 2 mm wide and khaki – 6 mm wide. In the center of the ribbon is a vertical white and red strip 10 mm wide (white on the left).