Commemorative Medal for the War 1918–1921

On 11 November 1918, Józef Piłsudski (1867–1935) took command of the re-emerging Polish Army, playing a key role in shaping Poland’s political landscape after years of partition. This symbolic event not only marked the end of World War I but also opened a new chapter in the nation’s history. However, despite the formal declaration of peace, military conflicts continued, as Poland sought to secure its borders and defend its newly regained independence. As early as 1 November 1918, the Polish-Ukrainian conflict over Lwów had begun, followed by the Greater Poland Uprising, which erupted in Poznań on 27 December of the same year. The period 1919–1921 brought further challenges, including the three Silesian Uprisings (1919, 1920, 1921) and the Polish-Soviet War (1919–1921), which concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Riga on 18 March 1921. To honour those who took part in the war and the struggle to define Poland’s borders between 1918 and 1921, the Council of Ministers issued a decree on 21 September 1928, establishing the Commemorative Medal for the War 1918–1921. This decoration was awarded to both soldiers and civilians who demonstrated courage, dedication, or commitment in service to the homeland. It was a symbol of recognition for those who contributed to the defence of Poland’s independence and territorial integrity. The decision to grant the medal was made by the Minister of Military Affairs. The presented medal was donated to the National Museum in Szczecin in 1981 by the Union of Fighters for Freedom and Democracy (ZBoWiD), an organisation bringing together individuals who had participated in the struggle for Poland’s independence. Its presence in the museum’s collection serves as a reminder of the hardships endured by past generations and their contribution to the creation of a free and sovereign homeland. Anna Lew-Machniak