It was awarded to individuals who had fought actively for the independence of Poland, and was released in three classes.

Both the Cross and the Medal were designed by professor Mieczysław Kotarbiński and most of the copies were made by Warsaw-based jeweller Wiktor Gontarczyk.

The reverse was covered with black enamel and the motto Bojownikom Niepodległości (To the Fighters for Independence).

On the obverse there was a symbolic depiction of three Hydras (symbolising three partitioning Powers) stroke with two swords and surrounded by the Bojownikom Niepodległości motto.

The reverse was plain with letters RP in the centre (standing for Rzeczpospolita Polska).