post-WW2 Virtuti Militari Cross of 5th Class

The Polish Virtuti Militari Cross of 5th Class, the highest Polish award for military acts of bravery. 

 A private purchase of the Virtuti Militari cross made in the post-WW2 period by Józef Panasiuk in Warsaw. Often bought as a replacement by Home Army Veterans.

 Award in the shape of the cross, in the centre a crowned white enameled eagle with wings spread. On the arms is an inscription in black enamel “Virtuti Militari”. The reverse has clear arms, the centre medallion has a laurel leaves crown, with an inscription in the centre “Honor i Ojczyzna 1792”, meaning Honour and Fatherland 1792.