The Krzyż Oświęcimski (AUSCHWITZ CROSS) was instituted on March 14, 1985, primarily a Polish decoration, awarded to honor the inmates of German concentration camps, and not only those interned in Auschwitz (the Polish name of Auschwitz is Oświęcim). Krzyż Oświęcimski was generally awarded to Poles but was also awarded to foreigners in very special cases.
It could also be awarded posthumously. It ceased to be awarded in 1999. An exception was made in the case of Greta Ferusic, who was awarded the last cross under special circumstances in February 2004.
This is a scarce original AUSCHWITZ CROSS made by the Warsaw National Mint the official Polish Government authorized manufacturer for all Polish decorations.