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The Polish Cross of Valor remains one of Poland's most important military decorations, awarded for acts of valor and bravery. First instituted during the Polish-Soviet War of 1919-21, was given to soldiers who showed exceptional bravery. A specific version of this prestigious award, numbered 2542, was crafted by the renowned Warsaw workshop of Albin Różycki, and features a unique design that differentiates it from later versions The bronze Cross of Valor, along with a distinctive three-part ribbon from the Herse Fashion House, represents a unique and rare variant of the award. This particular example is classified as Version 1 according to the research by Grzegorz Krogulec in his book 'Krzyż Walecznych', recognizable by its distinct omission of a date on the front, a feature added in later versions. This article will explore the origins, design, and historical significance of this iconic military award. Where the Cross of Valor Came From The Cross of Valor was first instituted in 1920 by the Polish government, during a time when Poland was fighting to secure its independence against Soviet forces. The war between Poland and Soviet Russia was a crucial time in the fight for Polish independence, and acts of valor by Polish troops played a significant role in defending the country’s sovereignty. The Cross of Valor was created to honor those who demonstrated extraordinary bravery in battle, and it remains one of the most significant military honors in Poland’s history. https://sarmatia-antiques.com/pl/produkt/psznz-odznaka-2-warszawskiej-dywizji-pancernej-4/ This version of the Cross of Valor, produced by Albin Różycki’s workshop in Warsaw, represents one of the earliest iterations of the medal, and it reflects the traditional design elements that were first introduced when the award was created. As a skilled craftsman, Albin Różycki’s workshop was chosen to produce this and other important military decorations, and his workshop played a key role in crafting the Cross of Valor for early recipients of the award. The cross itself was made of bronze, a durable and symbolic material, with a design that balanced simplicity and elegance. Examining the Design of the Cross of Valor The design of the Cross of Valor has a deep symbolic meaning, with this early version reflecting the medal's powerful symbolism. The cross itself features a central medallion, surrounded by a wreath, which gives it a regal and commanding appearance, and the lack of a date on the front side of the cross distinguishes it from later versions. The reverse side of the medal is inscribed with the words 'Na Polu Chwały', signifying honor on the battlefield, further emphasizing the honor and valor associated with the award One of the distinctive features of this version of the Cross of Valor is its ribbon. The ribbon was crafted by the prestigious Herse Fashion House in Warsaw, which was famous for producing high-quality fabrics, with a distinctive three-part structure that complements the elegance of the cross itself. The involvement of the Herse Fashion House shows how the design of this medal was not only functional but also artistic and refined. Why Version 1 of the Polish Cross of Valor is Historically Significant According to Grzegorz Krogulec’s book 'Krzyż Walecznych', this particular version of the Cross of Valor is classified as Version 1, marking it as one of the earliest and most collectible versions of the award. This version is notable for the fact that there is no date inscribed on the front of the cross, a feature that was later altered in subsequent versions. This early design reflects the original intent of the award, focusing solely on the bravery of the recipient without the inclusion of specific dates, and it remains one of the rarest versions of the Cross of Valor today. As a product of the Polish-Soviet War, Version 1 of the Cross of Valor holds deep historical significance, reflecting the bravery of those who fought for Poland’s sovereignty. The soldiers who received this version of the medal were among the first to be recognized for their acts of valor during the war, making this version a symbol of not only individual bravery but also the broader fight for national independence. https://sarmatia-antiques.com/product/pre-ww2-polish-portrait-photo-of-a-major-vm-kw-5th-polish-rifle-division-siberian/ The Significance of the Polish Cross of Valor in Today’s World As one of Poland’s most prestigious military decorations, the Cross of Valor continues to represent courage and sacrifice. The first version, created by Albin Różycki, stands out as a rare and valuable piece of Polish military heritage. With its bronze design, distinctive three-part ribbon by the Herse Fashion House, and lack of a date on the front, it serves as a lasting tribute to the courage of those who defended Poland during the war. This version is now a valued piece for both collectors and historians, reflecting its historical significance.