| Cross of Valour Krzyż Walecznych | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Krzy%C5%BC_Walecznych_1944.jpg) &sq=&lang=&file=File:POL_Krzy%C5%BC_Walecznych_BAR.svg){kind=small} The People's Republic of Poland version of the medal and ribbon. | |
| Type | Single-grade medal. |
| Awarded for | Deeds of valour and courage on the field of battle. |
| 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. |
| Country |  Poland |
| Presented by | the President of Poland |
| Clasps | denotes subsequent awards |
| Status | In the award system but a wartime decoration only |
| Established | 11 August 1920. |
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Krzyz_Walecznych_1920.jpg) Polish-Soviet War period medal | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. |
| Next (lower) | Military Cross. |
The Cross of Valour (Polish: Krzyż Walecznych) is a Polish military decoration. It was introduced by the Council of National Defense on 11 August 1920. It is awarded to an individual who "has demonstrated deeds of valour and courage on the field of battle." It may be awarded to the same person up to four times.[1] The medal is given only in wartime or shortly after.[2]
- ^ The only soldier ever to receive more than 4 Crosses of Valour was Stefan Grot-Rowecki, commander of the Polish Home Army during World War II, who had reached his quota of 4 crosses during World War I and the Polish-Soviet War, yet was awarded 4 more crosses on 1 May 1943. See: Łukasz Leszczyński (2005). "gen. dyw. Stefan Grot-Rowecki". Łukasz Leszczyński (in Polish). Retrieved 11 June 2007.
- ^ Zdzislaw P. Wesolowski, Polish Orders, Medals, Badges and Insignia: Military and Civilian Decorations, 1705–1985, pp. 22–24, 41–42, 58.