History

The Decoration of Honour for Wounds and Injuries was established by the Polish Council for State Defence during the Polish-Soviet War in 1920. It fell into abeyance following the Second World War and has since been replaced by the Military Decoration for Wounds and Injuries.

It was initially awarded to military personnel who were injured in combat after November 1, 1918, but was retroactively extended to military personnel who were wounded prior to this date and who served in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Brigade of the Polish Legions, the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Corps in Russia, or the Polish Army in France. During the Second World War, it was awarded to all wounded military personnel of the Polish Armed Forces and Polish resistance fighters who served in campaigns against German and Soviet forces.

Injuries were represented by silver stars on the ribbon bar. Only one star could be awarded per battle, regardless of the number of injuries incurred at once. Three stars were permitted per bar, but additional bars could be worn if the recipient had been recognised more than three times.

There may be additional versions of the Decoration that differ in composition.

See also the Military Decoration for Wounds and Injuries (POL643) in the Medals & Decorations of the Third Polish Republic (1989-).