Awards of
World War IIThe Navy Medal was established on July 3, 1945, by decree of the President of Poland in Exile, as a commemorative award for Polish sailors who fought on the Allied side during World War II.
According to the statute, the recipient must have served for at least six months on a warship of the Polish or Allied Navy in the combat zone, or for 12 months on warships and vessels not permanently stationed in the combat zone, as well as auxiliary vessels. In addition, for a courageous and heroic act above and beyond the call of duty, the award may be presented without meeting the length of service requirement.
According to the statute, the Navy Medal could be awarded no more than four times; for a second award, the length of service was doubled. In the case of a second award, the medal was not issued; instead, a ribbon bar and a diploma confirming the second award were presented.
After the war and the creation of the Warsaw Pact, the award was not included in the Polish awards system. Only after the collapse of the Warsaw Pact and the USSR, on October 16, 1992, did the award take its official place in the Polish awards system.
The award is a perfect circle, 36 mm in diameter, with a silver coating. The obverse of the medal features the symbol of the Polish Navy—a right hand holding a curved blade, framed by a wreath of laurel leaves. On the reverse of the award, in the center is the three-line inscription "POLSKA SWEMU OBRONCY" (Poland to its defender), with one oak leaf above and below the inscription.
The award is attached to a 37 mm wide silk moiré ribbon with an eyelet and ring. The ribbon is dark blue, with two white stripes 2mm wide, spaced 5mm from the edges.
The award bar for repeat awards, also silver-plated, is 5mm wide and decorated with oak leaves radiating from the center.
The Navy Medal 1939-45 is worn on the left chest.