History

The Auschwitz Cross was established by the Polish People’s Republic in 1985 and was administered by the Council of State until 1989. It was subsequently awarded by the Republic of Poland until it was officially discontinued in 1999. It was awarded to Polish and foreign survivors of Auschwitz and other concentration camps and was also awarded posthumously to the families of the deceased.

There are two versions of the Silver Cross that differ in inscription. The first features initials that stand for "Polska Rzeczpospolita Ludowa" (Polish People's Republic) and the second features initials that stand for "Rzeczpospolita Polska" (Republic of Poland). Both versions feature an additional inscription that translates to "To Prisoners of the Nazi Concentration Camps."

There may be additional versions of the Silver Cross that differ in size.

The second version is listed in the Medals & Decorations of the Third Polish Republic (1989-).