II RP, Legitimation of the Silver Cross of the Order of War Virtuti Militari 17 Artillery Regiment

Original order card issued to Platoon Sergeant Piotr Mendel of the 2nd Battery of the 17th Field Artillery Regiment.

The cross was awarded for retreating battles in July 1920 on the Vilnius-Bialystok line: on 16.VII near Gieranona where he fired to the last, disregarding enemy fire and was able to lead his platoon's guns out, and on 26.VII on the Supraśl River while being surrounded by the Bolsheviks along with the commander of the 2nd battery at an observation point. Thanks to several interviews under enemy fire, he provided accurate data and brought out the cannons.

Preservation condition of the item good.

Dimensions of unfolded card 11,8 x 16,7 cm.