MEDALS AWARDED BY OTHER
NATIONS TO POLISH SOLDIERS
FRANCE
Legion of Honour; Croix de Guerre (WW I). Awarded to some members
of Haller's Army who fought in France during World War I. The Legion
of Honour and certain other French Civil decorations were also awarded
to Poles during the inter-war period of 1918-1939. They were awarded
as diplomatic courtesies and for various other non-military reasons.
A few of these awards were also given to Exiled Polish Soldiers who
fought in France in 1940. The WW II version of the Croix de Guerre
has a different ribbon. For more information on French Medals- CLICK
HERE
AUSTRIA-HUNGARY
Medal of Military Merit (Signum Laudis); Karl Truppenkreutz; Silver and
Bronze Medals for Bravery. Medals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
were awarded to Polish soldiers who were under the command of Marshal Jozef
Pilsudski during the First World War. The legendary Legionnaires
of Marshal Pilsudski fought on the Austrian side until 1917. As a
condition of supporting Austria, Pilsudski was lobbying for an independent
post-war Poland. Germany was opposed to an independent Poland.
When Pilsudski received no guarantees of autonomy after the surrender of
Russia, he refused to swear allegiance to Germany, Austria's ally.
He was jailed in Germany from 1917 until November 1918, and the Legionnaires
disbanded until Pilsudski's release.
GREAT BRITAIN
British WW II medals awarded to Polish Soldiers who fought under British
command. The 1939-45 Star; the Africa Star; the Italy Star; the France
and Germany Star; the Defence Medal; the 1939-45 War Medal. Stars
were awarded for participation in various campaigns. Other stars
were awarded for Atlantic, Pacific, Burma and Air Crew Europe. For
a listing of selected British medals and their ribbons- CLICK
HERE.
Air Crew Europe Star. Awarded to Pilots and Crew members in the
Polish Squadrons of the RAF who took part in operational flights over Europe.
Awarded for service until 4 June 1944, after which the France and Germany
Star was awarded to Air Crews. This is the rarest of the 8 Stars.
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