Bronze Maltese cross with laterally-pierced loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a circular central medallion bearing the small coat of arms of Czechoslovakia, being the crowned two-tailed lion of Bohemia, an escutcheon on its breast bearing the patriarchal (two lateral arms) cross of Slovakia, all encircled by a wreath of thorns; the reverse bearing the logo of the S.O.P.V. (Svaz Osvobozených Politických Vězňů = Union of Liberated Political Prisoners) centrally, the left and right arms dated ‘1939’ and ‘1945’ respectively; some surface wear; on original ribbon, bar-mounted for wear. The medal was instituted in 1947 by the powerful S.O.P.V. which numbered almost 70,000 members, all former political prisoners, that was instrumental in pursuing those who had committed atrocities during World War II. The Cross is rare.
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