Polish, WW2, Monte Cassino Commemorative Cross

~ Polish, WW2, Monte Cassino Commemorative Cross ~

The Monte Cassino Commemorative Cross, known as Krzyż Pamiątkowy Monte Cassino in Polish, is a medal of honor presented to all the soldiers of the Polish II Corps who participated in the battle of Monte Cassino, as well as the conflicts at Piedimonte and Passo Corno.

This medal takes the form of a cross with four equal arms, featuring grooves and tips that curve outward radiantly. It is crafted in bronze and has a diameter of 40 mm. The cross's design is reminiscent of the one used by the order of St. Benedict, who founded the Monte Cassino Abbey in the year 529.

The front side of the cross, located in the top left, is inscribed with "MONTE CASSINO MAJ 1944". On the reverse side, situated in the top right, is the unique serial number of the medal, such as "12,397."

The grosgrain ribbon, which hangs from a suspension ring attached to a loop suspension connected to the cross's point, features alternating vertical stripes of equal width—six blue and five orange.

The Battle of Monte Cassino, also referred to as the Battle for Rome or the Battle for Cassino, was a costly series of four offensives by the Allies against the Axis forces defending the Winter Line in Italy during World War II's Italian Campaign. The ultimate objective was to break through to Rome.

Following the capture of Monte Cassino in May 1944, the Polish government-in-exile based in London created this campaign cross to honor the pivotal role played by the Polish II Corps (often known as Anders Army) in seizing this strategic location, which had long obstructed the Allied advance up the Italian peninsula. A batch of 50,000 crosses was ordered from a manufacturer in Tel Aviv, which was then part of British-ruled Palestine, where Polish forces had undergone extensive training in 1942 and most of 1943.

In total, 48,498 crosses were awarded, each accompanied by their respective stories of valor and sacrifice.

~ Dimensions ~

The medal has standard dimensions.

~ Condition ~

This medal is in excellent condition.

JAQ