Awarding the Cross of Valor to the Bulak-Balakhovich Volunteer Army on November 11, 1939.

Awarding a typologically rare decoration to Capt. Donald Sherman of the 71st New York National Guard Infantry Regiment.

The document is issued on the letterhead of the President of the District Board of the Union of Insurgents and Warriors of Corps District VIII in Gdynia on November 11, 1939. It is therefore not impossible that this is the only known award from the Second World War.

The document informs us that Capt. Sherman was awarded the cross on November 9, 1939 for his services to the insurgents and warriors association and in the field of community service. It can therefore be assumed that this was a conferral at least inspired by the local branch of the union. Given the short time that passed from the awarding, to the issuance of the document certifying this fact, one can even assume that the union had some kind of agreement with the chapter, on the basis of which it was authorized to award the cross.

Of course, the basic curiosity is precisely the date on which the cross was bestowed and the document issued. It can be assumed that it was some form of consolation and demonstration of patriotic activity, at the beginning of World War II. Therefore, it can be looked at not only through the prism of a rare decoration, but also as a testimony of the moment.

Framed and glazed. Under the signatures faintly visible seal of the association.