|
Gilt metal Greek cross with out-turned ends to the arms, with loop for ribbon suspension. The face with the ‘anchor’ cipher ‘PW’ (for Polska walcząca = Poland fights), the left and right arms inscribed ‘SEMPER’ and ‘FIDELIS’ respectively (Latin = always loyal), the date ‘1981’ on the upper arm (date of the imposition of martial law by the then Communist authorities); the reverse with the central inscription ‘ZSPK’ (Związek Solidarności Polskich Kombatantów = Polish Solidarity Combatant Association) imposed on a ‘W’, the dates ‘1939’ and ‘1989’ to either side (for the period between the German invasion and the fall of the Communist regime, that is, the period during which Poland was not independent); on the ribbon of Decoration of Merit of the Association of Combatants and Former Political Prisoners (the correct ribbon being red and white vertical halves with a thin central black line). The Cross was instituted in December 1994 by the Z.S.P.K. to be awarded to members of Solidarność (Solidarity), the independent Polish Trade Union, formed in 1980, who were active after the imposition of martial law in December 1981 and played a vital part in Poland regaining its independence in 1989.
|
