Poland (Republic): The Cross of Combat Action of the Polish Armed Forces in the West. 2nd type issue. With clasp 'Ancona'

2nd issue medal, with larger plain ring suspension

Awarded to Polish veterans of the 'Battle of Ancona', fought by Polish troops in Italy in 1944

The Battle of Ancona was fought between forces from Poland serving as part of the British Army and German forces that took place from 16 June–18 July 1944 during the Italian campaign in World War II. The battle was the result of an Allied plan to capture the city of Ancona in Italy in order to gain possession of a seaport closer to the fighting so that they could shorten their lines of communication. The Polish 2nd Corps, tasked with capture of the city on 16 June 1944, accomplishing the objective a month later on 18 July 1944. The Battle of Ancona was the only battle of the Western Front that was carried out entirely by the Polish military

The medal was established by the Act of May 17, 1989 as an expression of recognition, respect and memory for the armed action of soldiers, pilots and sailors of the Polish Armed Forces , on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the battles fought by them

The cross is the only Polish medal to be issued with battle clasps for wear on the riband. In total there were 15 x different clasps issued

The cross was awarded to participants of combat operations conducted by the Polish Armed Forces during World War II in 1939–1945. The cross was awarded by the President of the Republic of Poland (until July 1989 - the Council of State ) at the request of the Minister of National Defense, the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the Main Board of ZBoWiD. The cross could be awarded to Polish citizens and citizens of other countries, also posthumously

On May 8, 1999, the awarding of the Cross became obsolete

Through to 1999, an estimated 18,033 awards were made, as under:

- 1989 – 41
- 1990 – 8,753
- 1991 – 2141
- 1992 – 1,700
- 1993 – 1018
- 1994 – 751
- 1995 – 1,583
- 1996 – 731
- 1997 – 264
- 1998 – 627
- 1999 – 424

Condition: About EF

Code: 24112