Poland (Republic): The Cross of Combat Action of the Polish Armed Forces in the West. 2nd type issue medal (with larger plain ring suspension), and clasp 'Maiche-St.Hippolyte'

2nd issue medal, with larger plain ring suspension

Awarded to Polish veterans of the 'Battle of Clos du Dobs Hills' fought in France 1940

The Battle of Clos du Doubs took place between 18 and 20 June 1940, during the Battle of France. The Polish 2nd Rifle Division, commanded by General Bronislaw Prugar-Ketling, defended the frontline in the area of the Clos du Doubs, located near French-Swiss border. The task of the Poles was to close all roads leading to Switzerland, and to achieve this, General Prugar-Ketling divided his forces into two parts: southern (4th Warsaw Rifle Regiment, commanded by Colonel Aleksander Gembal), and northern (9th Kresy Infantry Regiment, commanded by Colonel Stanislaw Bien)

On 18 June, at about 1:30 pm, Polish forces exchanged fire with the advancing Wehrmacht. At 4 pm, two reinforced battalions of German infantry, supported by artillery, captured the town of Maiche. One hour later, Polish officers gathered at a meeting, during which they discussed possible evacuation to Switzerland or retreat to southern France. In the evening, however, the Poles were ordered to man the frontline between Saint-Hippolyte, Doubs and Swiss border near Charmauvillers

In the night of 18–19 June, Polish units moved to the new positions. German assault on Damprichard and Saint-Hippolyte began in the morning, after capturing both towns, the Germans moved towards Trevillers. Polish losses were heavy, and lacking support from their demoralized French allies, who retreated in panic, the Poles decided to cross the Swiss border. This took place in the night of 19–20 June

On 15 December 1942 Swiss Army headquarters, with General Henri Guisan, created a defensive plan in case of German invasion. Polish 2nd Rifle Division, with its 10,508 soldiers and officers, was supposed to join Swiss forces

The Battle of Clos du Doubs is commemorated on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Warsaw

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

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: 24113