May CoupWorld War II 8th Legions Infantry Regiment (Polish: 8 Pulk Piechoty Legionow, 8 pp Leg.)

During the Nazi-Soviet Invasion of Poland, the regiment, together with whole 3rd Legions Infantry Division, which belonged to Prusy Army, fought in several major battles of the war.

In late 1918, the regiment, commanded by Ferdynand Zarzycki, was sent to eastern part of former Austrian Galicia, to fight against the Ukrainians.

The regiment fought in Eastern Galicia and Volhynia from December 1918 until June 1919, suffering heavy losses.

In December 1919, together with the 3rd Legions Infantry Division, the regiment was sent to Latvia, to protect this country from Soviet invasion.

The regiment stayed there until mid-March 1920, and in mid-May 1920, it fought in a bloody battle at Dokszyce, losing over 200 soldiers (KIA and WIA).

In June 1920, the 3rd Legions Division was sent to Ukraine, to halt the advance of the 1st Cavalry Army, commanded by Semyon Budyonny.

In early August, it fought near Wlodzimierz Wolynski and Hrubieszów, after which the regiment participated in Polish counteroffensive, fighting near Włodawa, where it destroyed Soviet 58th Rifle Division.

Together with the 3rd Legions Infantry Division, the regiment with its 91 officers and 3212 NCOs and soldiers, belonged to Prusy Army.

The 3rd Battalion did not reach Dęblin, as rail lines had been destroyed, and on September 6, it was transferred to the 9th Legions Infantry Regiment.

Before that happened, a number of officers and soldiers of the regiment had surrendered to the Soviets, who had convinced them to fight against the Wehrmacht.

After the Battle of Iłża, a group of officers under Ludwik Ossowski was ordered to hide it in a safe place.

It was in the shape of the Cross of Saint Rupert of Salzburg, with number 8 in the middle, and the initial PP Leg, plus the dates: 1807, 1918.