*Polish, WW2, Medal za Odrę–Nysę–Bałtyk (Medal for the Oder, Neisse and Baltic), 1945 Campaign Award*
Original Polish Second World War campaign medal, the Medal za Odrę, Nysę, Bałtyk (Medal for the Oder, Neisse and Baltic), instituted shortly after the war to commemorate the final campaigns fought on Polish territory in 1945.
The circular bronze medal displays on the obverse a relief map of Poland with key geographical points marked, surrounded by the inscription “ZA ODRĘ – NYSĘ – BAŁTYK” (“For the Oder – Neisse – Baltic”). At the top of the design appears the Polish eagle, the national emblem. The reverse bears the inscription: “RP / ZWYCIĘZCOM / III.1945 / IV.1945”. This translates to “Republic of Poland – To the Victors – March 1945 – April 1945.”
The medal remains suspended from its original dark blue ribbon with pale blue side stripes, the official ribbon colours for this decoration.
This type of medal is commonly encountered among decorations of the Polish People’s Army (Ludowe Wojsko Polskie) and commemorates the final operations of the war in Central Europe.
Approx. Measurements – Medal diameter: 33 mm.
History Note:
The Medal for the Oder, Neisse and Baltic (Medal za Odrę, Nysę, Bałtyk) was established by the Polish government on 26 October 1945, shortly after the end of the Second World War in Europe.
The award commemorated the decisive spring offensives of March–April 1945, when Polish formations fighting alongside the Soviet Red Army advanced westward during the final collapse of Nazi Germany. These operations included the crossing of the Oder and Neisse rivers and the liberation of territories stretching to the Baltic Sea.
These campaigns formed part of the wider East Pomeranian Offensive and Battle of Berlin, in which Polish units such as the 1st and 2nd Polish Armies played a significant role in capturing coastal cities and securing the new western frontier of post-war Poland.
The medal was awarded to:
- Soldiers of the Polish People’s Army - Veterans who had fought in the 1939 defensive campaign - Members of resistance formations and civilians who contributed to the liberation of Polish territory
- In some cases, foreign soldiers allied with Polish forces
The decoration symbolised the establishment of Poland’s post-war borders along the Oder–Neisse line and the Baltic coast, which were confirmed after the war. Although primarily a wartime campaign decoration, it continued to be awarded to qualifying veterans until 1992.
Today it remains a well-recognised decoration among collectors of Eastern European and Soviet-allied Second World War medals.
*Condition*
Good overall condition. The medal retains a pleasing aged bronze tone with light surface wear consistent with age and handling. Details of the map and inscriptions remain clear and legible. The ribbon is original but shows minor fraying and loose threads, as visible in the photographs. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
