Partisan Cross

Polish military decoration established by a decree of the National Council of 26 October 1945 "in order to commemorate the heroic armed struggle of the soldiers of partisan units against the Nazi occupant for Independence, Freedom and Democracy and to reward combat merits in this struggle". The Partisan Cross was awarded to meritorious organisers of partisan units, commanders, as well as for participation in battles and armed actions of units of the People's Army, Home Army, Peasant Battalions and Polish partisan units fighting in the areas of other countries occupied by Germany. The distinction was awarded by the Presidium of the National People's Council by resolution, from 1952 by the State Council, and from 1989 by the President of the Republic of Poland. In addition to individual awards, the Partisan Cross was also awarded to 49 towns in recognition of the heroism and patriotism of the local population who took an active part in the partisan fights against the Nazi occupier. The list includes the villages of Brenna, Buczkowice, Kroczyce, including towns such as Chwałowice and Kazimierz Górniczy. As of 8 May 1999, the awarding of the Partisan Cross was declared completed. Anna Lew-Machniak