Krzyz Zaslugi

The Krzyz Zaslugi (cross of merit) was for the first time instituted by order of the President of Polish Republic (Second Polish Republic) on June 23rd, 1923.

The medal could be awarded inthree grades, gold, silver and bronze and at first was the highest civilian decoration after Polands independence in 1918. It could be awarded to those who rose above the normal function of their work.

Originally a person cold be awarded maximum four times in each grade. A next awarding in the same grade was to be shown by wearing a clasp on the ribbon of the first medal. Between the institution and the German invasion iin September 1939, a total of 151.034 awards were presented.