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The Polish Cross of Valor remains one of Poland's most important military decorations, given for extraordinary acts of courage and heroism. First instituted during the Polish-Soviet War of 1919-21, was given to soldiers who showed exceptional bravery. Among the many versions of this medal, one notable example was produced by Albin Różycki’s workshop in Warsaw, numbered 2542, notable for its craftsmanship and unique design elements 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. In his authoritative book 'Krzyż Walecznych', Grzegorz Krogulec designates this piece as Version 1, notable for its lack of a date on the front, a detail found in later versions of the award. This article will explore the origins, design, and historical significance of this iconic military award. Where the Cross of Valor Came From In 1920, the Polish government introduced the Cross of Valor as an official military decoration, 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 the bravery of Polish soldiers was critical in securing Poland's borders and independence. The Cross of Valor was created to honor those who demonstrated extraordinary bravery in battle, and has since become one of the most revered military decorations in the country. The bronze version created by Albin Różycki’s workshop in Warsaw is one of the original versions of the medal, featuring many of the original design elements that were used when the Cross was first instituted. As a skilled craftsman, Albin Różycki’s workshop was chosen to produce this and other important military decorations, and his contribution to the production of this medal reflects the high level of craftsmanship involved in its creation. This version of the cross was cast in bronze, reflecting both durability and tradition, 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, and this particular version is no exception. At the center of the cross is a round medallion, encircled by a wreath, symbolizing honor and achievement, with the lack of a date on the front marking it as one of the earliest versions. The reverse side of the cross typically bears the inscription 'Na Polu Chwały', meaning 'On the Field of Glory', 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, and it features a three-part design that complements the overall look of the medal. This collaboration between a military decoration and a fashion house reflects the importance of both craftsmanship and artistry in the creation of the award. The Significance of Version 1 of the Polish Cross of Valor According to Grzegorz Krogulec’s book 'Krzyż Walecznych', this particular version of the Cross of Valor is classified as Version 1, establishing it as one of the earliest iterations of this prestigious medal. One of the defining characteristics of this version is the absence of a date on the front of the cross, a feature that was later altered in subsequent versions. The lack of a date places emphasis on the heroic act itself, rather than the time it was performed, and this version is now considered one of the rarest and most valuable iterations of the Cross of Valor. This first version of the Cross of Valor is not only an important military decoration, but also a symbol of Poland's fight for independence during the Polish-Soviet War. The soldiers who received this version of the medal were among the first to be recognized for their acts of valor during the war, which makes this version a powerful symbol of both individual heroism and national struggle. The Significance of the Polish Cross of Valor in Today’s World https://sarmatia-antiques.com/product/ww2-polish-eagle-cap-badge-middle-east-5/ 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, this version represents the bravery of the soldiers who fought for Poland’s independence during the Polish-Soviet War. This version is now a valued piece for both collectors and historians, reflecting its historical significance.