Cross Of Battle Of Lenino.

[Taz]

(Krzyz Bitwy pod Lenino)

This cross was instituted by act of Parliament of May 26, 1988.
It has been awarded to the veterans of the Battle of Lenino also known as Miereja river battle (now in Byelorussia), which was fought on October 12th, 1943.
The Polish People's Army, formed in Sielce, near the Oka river in 1943 in the Soviet Union fought in this battle and it is the first action in which these troops participated.
Later the 1st Polish Army (78,556 soldiers) took part in the battle for Berlin when on April 16 it crossed the river Oder. Among other actions, the Polish units crossed the Hohenzollern Channel and continued their advance on Kremmen, Flatow, Paaren and Nauen. They ended their campaign by participating in the capture of the Brandenburg Gate.
Just for info, the Polish 1st army consisted of the following Divisions:

Polish 1st Tadeusz Kosciuszko Infantry Division
Polish 2nd Infantry Division
Polish 3rd Infantry Division
Polish 4th Infantry Division

October 12th was celebrated in PRP as a memorial day of the People's Army.

The award consists of two silver Greek crosses, 42 x 42 mm, 0ne superimposed on the other. The one in the background has slightly shorter and wider arms. In the center there is a non crowned eagle.
This eagle emblem was worn by the troops of the 1st Kosciuszko Infantry Division, which took part in the battle.
The reverse holds the inscription 12 X / LENINO / 1943.

The ribbon is yellow gold with dark blue edges (colors of 1st Infantry Division), with a central stripe of white and red.

Eddie

[Taz]

Avers and reverse of the Battle of Lenino Cross.