"Veteran of the Fight for Freedom and Independence of the Fatherland" badge

The Veteran of the Struggle for the Freedom and Independence of the Homeland Badge (Odznaka „Weteran Walk o Wolność i Niepodległość Ojczyzny”) was a Polish ministerial decoration in the form of a commemorative badge, presented together with the diploma-patent for the honorary title “Veteran of the Struggle for the Freedom and Independence of the Homeland,” established on 7 June 1994 and awarded from 30 August 1997. It is awarded by the Head of the Office for Veterans and Victims of Oppression.

According to a resolution of the Council of the Office for Veterans and Victims of Oppression, “it may be received by a person who participated in armed struggle for Poland’s independence, has been granted veteran’s entitlements, and meets the requirements specified in the Act of 24 January 1991 on veterans and certain persons who were victims of wartime and postwar repression.” Neither the patent nor the badge is awarded posthumously.

The design of the badge refers to the pre-war Cross of Independence: a silver-plated and oxidized equal-armed cross with two strips of black enamel on each arm. A silver-plated military eagle with a crown is placed slightly below its centre.