Medal "Meritorious In The Field Of Glory".

[Taz]

(Medal Zasluzonym na Polu Chwaly)

This Medal was first instituted at the beginning of November 1943
in three classes after the battle of Lenino, by order of the commander-in-chief of the I Polish Army Corps in Russia, Gen. Z. Berling.
By decree on December 23, 1944 it was included in the Polish award system.
Changed slightly in 1944. Before the re-instatement of the Order Virtuti Militari.
It was awarded for acts of military virtue and valour to soldiers of the Peoples' Army, irrespective of the rank.
It came in 3 classes, gold, silver and bronze and was meant as an extension to the Virtuti Militari Award

Obverse: Order of Virtuti Militari (1943 version has flags as well as a crowned Eagle). Reverse: 1943 version: "ZASLUZONYM NA POLU CHWALY 12-13 X 1943 LENINO" surrounded by a laurel wreath.

1944 version "ZASLUZONYM NA POLU CHWALY 1944". With a non-crowned eagle in the cross and removed flags.

The ribbon is 42 mm wide, black with broad light blue side stripes these are the reversed colors of the Virtuti Militari.

Here is the 2nd Class 1944 version in silver.

Eddie