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.
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
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.
Polish Medals from
the Post-WW2 Period
