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What was the Warsaw Uprising?

In the summer of 1944, Polish underground fighters tried to free their capital city from German control. They fought for 63 days in one of the biggest battles of World War II. It was a very brave effort by people who wanted to take back their home.

What symbol appears in the center of the cross?

The medal features an anchor called the Kotwica. This special symbol is made of the letters P and W. It stands for Fighting Poland and shows the strong spirit of the Polish people.

Could young boy scouts receive this cross?

Yes, many young scouts helped during the fight. They worked as messengers and carried important mail through the dangerous city streets. Because they were part of the brave effort, they were allowed to earn this honor.

Why was the cross created so long after 1944?

For many years, the leaders in charge did not want to celebrate these fighters. It was not until 1981 that the Polish government finally created this medal. It was a way to honor the heroes who had been ignored for a very long time.

Is the medal still awarded today?

The government stopped giving out this specific medal in 1999. Even though it is no longer given to people, it is still very important to history. You can find this medal in many museums today to learn about the bravery of those fighters.

What was the Warsaw Uprising?

In the summer of 1944, Polish underground fighters tried to free their capital city from German control. They fought for 63 days in one of the biggest battles of World War II. It was a very brave effort by people who wanted to take back their home.

What symbol appears in the center of the cross?

The medal features an anchor called the Kotwica. This special symbol is made of the letters P and W. It stands for Fighting Poland and shows the strong spirit of the Polish people.

Could young boy scouts receive this cross?

Yes, many young scouts helped during the fight. They worked as messengers and carried important mail through the dangerous city streets. Because they were part of the brave effort, they were allowed to earn this honor.

Why was the cross created so long after 1944?

For many years, the leaders in charge did not want to celebrate these fighters. It was not until 1981 that the Polish government finally created this medal. It was a way to honor the heroes who had been ignored for a very long time.

Is the medal still awarded today?

The government stopped giving out this specific medal in 1999. Even though it is no longer given to people, it is still very important to history. You can find this medal in many museums today to learn about the bravery of those fighters.

Home Library PolandWarsaw Uprising Cross

Campaign medal

Warsaw Uprising Cross

A commemorative medal honoring the courageous resistance fighters who battled in the 1944 Warsaw Uprising.

Poland Established 1981 All servicesPrecedence: Worn alongside official commemorative military campaign decorations.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded to participants of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising who fought against Nazi forces.

Eligibility

Fighters of the Polish Home Army, medical teams, couriers, and allied participants in the uprising.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn alongside official commemorative military campaign decorations.

Warsaw Uprising Cross, Campaign medal, Poland medal

History

The Warsaw Uprising Cross was created by the Polish Parliament in 1981. In the summer of 1944, the Polish underground Home Army rose up against German occupation in Warsaw and fought bravely for 63 brutal days. For decades after the war, their heroism was downplayed by the state.

By the 1980s, Polish citizens demanded official national honors for these brave men and women. The cross was established to decorate surviving uprising veterans and recognize those who had died.

The medal is shaped like a silver cross with the famous 'Kotwica' anchor symbol, which stands for Polish fighting spirit. It became a powerful national symbol of freedom and resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War II

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Andrzej Poczobut, including Iraq Star, Medal of the Armed Forces in the Service of the Fatherland, Warsaw Uprising Cross, Order of the Military Cross, shown against a light Poland flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Gulf War

Iraq Star Medal of the Armed Forces in the Service of the Fatherland Warsaw Uprising Cross+1

Andrzej Poczobut

Who Was Andrzej Poczobut?

A highly decorated Polish special forces veteran of the Iraq War.

Poland2004-04-06

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Sources

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