WW2 Polish Gold Virtuti Militari 4th Class – Staff Major Jan Antoni Fuglewicz

Until December 1, 1947, the Polish Government-in-Exile awarded only 138 Gold Crosses of the Virtuti Militari. While individual crosses occasionally appear on the collectors’ market, complete sets with original documentation are extremely rare and nearly unattainable.

The Virtuti Militari 4th Class Cross is Poland’s highest military decoration. The version in this set was produced in the United Kingdom by Spink & Son.

The decoration is in the form of a cross, with gilded arms. At its center is a white enameled crowned eagle with outstretched wings. The arms of the cross bear the inscription in black enamel: “Virtuti Militari.” The reverse of the decoration features plain arms, with a central medallion bearing a laurel wreath and the inscription: “Honor i Ojczyzna 1792” (“Honor and Fatherland 1792”). The cross is suspended on a ribbon with vertical navy-blue and black stripes and features the characteristic suspension mount. The award is preserved in its original manufacturer’s box.

Excerpt from the citation for the Virtuti Militari award:

The figure of Major Jan Fuglewicz and his heroic actions are also described in the book “Wykonać 4444. Walki 1 Dywizji Grenadierów we Francji w 1940 roku” (pp. 121–123):

“Staff Major Jan Fuglewicz always remained cheerful, even in the most difficult moments. Quick in decision-making, energetic, and dedicated to service to the point of sacrifice. As a model of courage and determination, he inspired his soldiers to fight, exerting a strong, almost magnetic influence over them.
Defending his battalion’s assigned sector along the Marne–Rhine Canal, he held his position despite the enemy breaching the neighboring lines on both flanks and posing a threat from the rear. His steadfast stance helped halt the German advance.
Upon receiving the order to withdraw, and despite the challenging terrain and being fully encircled by the enemy, he chose to remain in position until nightfall. Then, using the cover of darkness, he led a successful breakout through enemy lines, minimizing own losses and inflicting significant damage on the enemy.”

Jan Fuglewicz
(Born April 16, 1900, Kraków – Died April 14, 1958, Tarnów)
An officer of the Polish Army, independence fighter, member of the Polish Legions, and after WWII, a staff colonel of the Polish People’s Army.

He joined the Polish Legions on July 7, 1916, beginning his service in the 10th Company of the 6th Infantry Regiment. After Poland regained independence, he continued his military career, receiving the rank of second lieutenant on September 1, 1919, and was promoted to lieutenant on September 1, 1920.

Between 1928 and 1935, he served in the 49th and 76th Infantry Regiments, successively promoted to captain (1929) and staff major (1936). In the spring of 1939, he worked in Section II of the General Staff as a specialist in economic analysis of Germany.

He took part in the September 1939 Campaign. After September 17, he escaped to France, where he commanded the III Battalion of the 1st Grenadier Regiment in the 1st Grenadier Division. He participated in the French Campaign of 1940.

After the war, he returned to Poland and continued service in the Polish People’s Army, eventually reaching the rank of staff colonel of infantry.

Decorations:
For his wartime service, he was awarded:

Gold and Silver Cross of the Virtuti Militari
Cross of Valour (twice)
Gold and Silver Cross of Merit

Independence Medal

Additional Information:
Detailed service history and biography:
🔗 https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Fuglewicz
🔗 https://fundacja100.pl/krzyz-i-medal-niepodleglosci/lista-odznaczonych/jan-fuglewicz

Included with the cross are copies of the award documents and recommendations for the Virtuti Militari from the archives of the Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum in London.

Dimensions:

Virtuti Militari Cross: 3.9 cm x 9.8 cm
Box: 11.4 cm x 5.3 cm x 1.2 cm
Certificate: 11 cm x 7.7 cm

Condition: As shown in the photographs.