Poland, People's Republic. A Battle of Lenino Cross, c.1943

Krzyż Bitwy pod Lenino. Instituted in 1988. In silvered metal, measuring 41.8 mm (w) x 41.8 mm (h), light surface wear on the obverse, rust evident on the reverse, original ribbon, very fine.

Footnote: The Cross was instituted by Act of Parliament of May 16, 1988 and awarded to surviving participants in the Battle of Lenino, October 12-13, 1943. The battle was significant in being the first engagement fought by the Soviet-backed Polish People’s Army against German forces. The Polish detachment attacked a larger and well-entrenched German force and sustained losses of about a quarter of its total strength, withdrawing after two days. Polish forces went on to play a significant but not well-known role in the Red Army advance all the way to Berlin.