Riley1965

People's Republic of Poland Order of Polonia Restituta, 2nd Class, Grand Commander Reverse

People's Republic of Poland Order of Polonia Restituta, 2nd Class, Grand Commander Established by act of Parliament of February 4, 1921. Awared to: Polish and foreign citizens for merit to the Polish Country and Nation in the field of art and science, industry, agriculture, politics, philantrophy, as well as for the acts of civilian bravery and self-sacrifice. Until 1974, when the Order of Merit was established, it was also a "diplomatic" order awarded to foreign authorities on ceremonial occasions. The order was conferred in five classes: GC, Grand Commander, Commander, Officer and Member. Badge: white enameled gilt Maltese cross with ball finials. Medallion: white eagle on red background; the blue circle bears the Latin motto: POLONIA RESTITVTA (Poland Restored). Reverse: gilt arms, without enamel; medallion bears the year 1944 on red background.

Order of Virtuti Militari, 4th Class The Polish Order of Virtuti Militari was established 200 years ago by King Stanislaw August Poniatowski. It is the highest military decoration awarded for gallantry above and beyond the call of duty. It is the equivalent of America's Medal of Honor or Britain's Victoria cross. It is awarded in 5 classes.

People's Republic of Poland Order of Virtuti Militari, 3rd Class

The Spinks award case for the Cross of Valour

Republic of Poland Cross of Valor- 1920 Fig. 97b in Prof. Wesoloski's book of Polish ODMs. 46mm cross suspended from a white ribbon with two wide purple stripes. Made in Italy

3rd Class

Reverse

2nd Class Obverse

Republic of Poland Cross of Merit with Swords, Type I, 1st class Established in 1942 Awarded to Military and Civilians for Meritorious Combat Service. Awarded in 3 classes Gold, Silver & Bronze Awarded to Members of the Home Army and Underground. The letters "RP" are in the center of the cross surrounded by a wreath. The ribbon is red with pale blue stripes near each edge. The Cross is 45mm

And the Reverse

Republic of Poland The Air Force Medal obverse Air Force Medal Established in 1945. It was awarded to all Air Force Personnel on active duty during the war. 4,434 medals were awarded. The medal is silver with the French ball suspension ring. The Obverse: The center has the Polish Air force insignia, Checkerboard squares enameled in red and white. The insignia is surrounded by an oak leaf wreath. The Reverse has the words POLSKA SWEMU OBRONCY surrounded by an oak leaf wreath. The medal is worn on a pale blue ribbon with a white stripe near each of the edge of the ribbon. The medal is 36mm in diameter. It may be awarded up to four times. Each additional award is noted by the addition of a bar with oak leaves on it.

Hello Sal, Isn't this much to do about nothing?!! They haven't eliminated the SWC section. I just don't see the problem. Doc

USAF, That's an interesting badge. I like ther style and colors!! Doc

Ed, I guess that I'm a Hopeless optimist I am hoping that this group turns out to be good just like my two groups that looked put together but turned out to be genuine. That being said, I am still leary of these groups but buy them anyway and wait for the research to tell me if my gut feeling was correct. Doc

To All, I've posted my mounted Pair in the Collector's Showcase under "Doc" Riley's collection. Doc

Ed, That's a nice looking group. The research on the Valour Medal will tell the tale. Having bought a couple of groups underthe same conditions I was fortunate to have both being "Groups". I hope the same for this one. Doc

Kevin, Your Monte Cassino Commemorative Cross looks good to me. It's a shame that it doesn't have a serial number to trace the recipient. This is one of only a few Polish ODMs that can be traced. The Polish government didn't care to keep records. So unlike Soviet and British ODMs it's only a few that can be researched. Anyway, Nice Cross!! Doc

Poland: The reverse

Poland: Mounted pair Cross of Valour and a Monte Cassino Cross Obverse This is a mounted pair of the Cross of Valor and the Monte Cassino Commemorative Cross (serial number 35847) to a member of the 2nd Battallion of Artillery. Doc Wesoloski is getting me the name of the recipient. CROSS OF VALOR: Fig. 97b in Prof. Wesoloski's book of Polish ODMs. 46mm cross suspended from a white ribbon with two wide purple stripes. Made in Italy MONTE CASSINO COMMEMORATIVE CROSS(Serial Number 35847) The Cross was established on May 1944 and awarded in the field during the battle and after to all Polish troops participating in combat in and near Monte Cassino. 49,895 crosses were awarded. The cross is dark bronze with the words MONTE CASSINO MAY 1944 in a center square. The reverse has the serial number stamped in the center. The ribbon is light blue with five red stripes. The cross is 40mm x 40mm.

Kevin, I'll still take a look at your cross and get back to Ya this evening. Doc

This will be my last post on this subject. Due to the situation yesterday I have killed this thread by deleting all of my posts. This thread is DEAD. Nick please delete it. Doc

WOW!!! What A GREAT Find!!! You need to find a uniform to put that on. Doc

Kevin, This thread is dead as far as I'm concerned. I've deleted all of my posts and pics over the mess this morning. But for you, my friend, I'll look at it tomorrow. Doc

Doc