#35 POLAND POLISH INDEPENDENCE CROSS WITH SWORDS, 1930s, only 1817 awarded

#35 POLAND POLISH INDEPENDENCE CROSS WITH SWORDS, 1930s, only 1817 awarded
#35 POLAND POLISH INDEPENDENCE CROSS WITH SWORDS, 1930s, only 1817 awarded
#35 POLAND POLISH INDEPENDENCE CROSS WITH SWORDS, 1930s, only 1817 awarded
#35 POLAND POLISH INDEPENDENCE CROSS WITH SWORDS, 1930s, only 1817 awarded

#35 POLAND POLISH INDEPENDENCE CROSS WITH SWORDS, 1930s, only 1817 awarded
#35 POLAND POLISH INDEPENDENCE CROSS WITH SWORDS, very rare, 2nd highest military decoration for valor before WWII just after the VM, only 1817 were ever awarded. They were not numbered or named like the Virtuti Militari. It is interesting to know that this decoration has a unique place in the Polish honors system. It is hard to explain the reason for its establishment. It was decided by Polish military experts that an honor level was missing between the VM and the Cross of Valor and those two decorations did not fully honor those persons who were not recognized for their valor and service in combat and/or behind the lines in support of the military campaigns especially in the summer of 1920. The decision was made in 1930 to correct this injustice by establishing the Independence Cross with SWORDS, without and a medal. Out of the 8,500 VM recipients and 60,000 Crosses of Valor for WWI, a problem developed whom to select for this additional honor? A full time Committee was established to review applications and nominations. Out of a millions of veterans from 1863 to 1921, a limited number were selected. 1817 crosses with Swords were awarded. Those awarded the cross with swords were recognized for their valor in lieu of a 4th class VM or a 5th Cross of Valor. Their contribution was beyond the traditional military honors. Anyone who was awarded this decoration with swords was a national hero and a legend. COLLECTOR SHOULD NOTE THAT THE SWORDS ARE ORIGINAL AS WELL AS THE CROSS. Fake swords are being used on this decoration as well as on the Cross of Merit of WWII. THE PHOTO SHOW PILSUDSKI WEARING THE CROSS, 2ND FROM THE LEFT JUST BEFORE THE CROSS OF VALOR. This was his last troop review before his death. The free listing tool. The item “#35 POLAND POLISH INDEPENDENCE CROSS WITH SWORDS, 1930s, only 1817 awarded” is in sale since Tuesday, July 7, 2015. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\1919-38\Original Period Items”. The seller is “polishmilitaria” and is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This item can be shipped worldwide.
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: Poland

#35 POLAND POLISH INDEPENDENCE CROSS WITH SWORDS, 1930s, only 1817 awarded
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