Polish Army Medal Explained

Polish Army Medal
Medal Wojska Polskiego
Presenter: Minister of National Defence
Type:Three class medal
Eligibility:Foreign civilians and military personnel
Awarded For:Services to the Polish armed forces in peacekeeping or other international operations, and for studies in Polish military history.
Established:3 September 1999
Higher:Medal of the Armed Forces in the Service of the Fatherland
Same:Medal of Merit for National Defence

The Polish Army Medal (Polish: Medal Wojska Polskiego) was established by Poland on 3 September 1999 to recognize service to the Polish Army by foreign civilians and military personnel.[1] The medal is presented in three grades Gold, Silver, and Bronze by the Polish Minister of National Defence. 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.[2]

Appearance

The medal is either gold, silver, or bronze, depending on the grade, 36 mm in diameter. On the obverse is a red enameled cross pattée with concave arm bases. Between the arms of the cross are stylized rays. Under the arms of the cross is a laurel wreath. Superimposed on the cross is a silver crowned eagle for all grades. The reverse is plain aside for a two line inscription "WOJSKO POLSKIE" (Polish Army). The medal is suspended from a ribbon 38 mm wide. The colors are light brown with blue edges, separated by yellow pinstripes. In the center is a half white and half red stripe.[3] On the ribbon bar a gold vertical bar is worn in the center for the gold medal and a silver vertical bar is worn in the center for the silver medal. The ribbon bar of the bronze medal is unadorned.

Notable recipients

References

  1. Web site: Robertson . Megan C. . Poland: Polish Army Medal . Medals of the World . 5 June 2009 . 2011-08-09.
  2. Web site: Medal of the Polish Army Awarded . Poland WWII . . 1 December 2010 . 2011-08-09 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120801095233/http://www.polandww2.com/article/2010-12-1-polish-army-medal . 1 August 2012 .
  3. Web site: Gaszewski . Lukasz . Ministry Decorations for the Uniformed Services . Ribbons of Orders and Decorations of the World . 2011-08-09.
  4. Web site: General John R. Allen . Biographies of United States Marine Corps General Officers and Senior Executives . USMC Manpower and Reserve Affairs . 2011-08-09 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131207032451/https://slsp.manpower.usmc.mil/gosa/biographies/rptBiography.asp?PERSON_ID=59&PERSON_TYPE=General . 2013-12-07 .
  5. Note from National Defence Minister to Marshal of the Sejm about gen. Casey decoration.
  6. Generał Carter F. Ham w Polsce (photo) – wp.mil.pl
  7. Web site: Coleman. Sgt. Fredrick. CENTCOM members earn Polish Armed Forces honors. CENTCOM Public Affairs. 3 December 2013.
  8. Web site: Select Committee on Intelligence . Questionnaire for Completion by Presidential Appointees . United States Senate . 14 June 2011 . 2011-08-09.
  9. Web site: Sztab Generalny WP: szef obrony Sił Zbrojnych Francji odznaczony Złotym Medalem Wojska Polskiego. 2024-03-29.
  10. Sojusznicze podziękowania (photo) – army.mil.pl
  11. News: Leighton. Maj. Brad. TAG receives highest Polish award. 20 January 2013. Illinois Guardian. Fall 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20130203033641/http://www.il.ngb.army.mil/pao/guardian/FallGuardian2011.pdf. 3 February 2013. dead. dmy-all.
  12. Generał William L. Enyart w Polsce (photo) – army.mil.pl