#6 • Belgian Military Cross and Croix De Guerre Medals: Lot of Four

Part of British & World Medals (live auction by Bannerman Auctions)

Starting at $150.00

Status: No sale

Belgian Military Cross and Croix De Guerre Medals: Lot of Four. Group of 4 Belgian medals including; 1.) Military Cross 1st Class with rosette on ribbon. 2.) World War I Croix de Guerre medal with 3 palm devices on ribbon. Medal lacks pin device on reverse. 3.) World War I Croix de Guerre medal with 1 palm device on ribbon. 4.) World War II Croix de Guerre medal with 1 palm device and Bronze lion device indicating regimental level award on ribbon. Medal lacks pin device on reverse. All circa 20th century. Estimate: $300 - $400 Historical Background: The Military Cross is a Belgian military decoration established by Royal Decree on February 11, 1885. It is awarded to commissioned officers in the Belgian Armed Forces for loyal and uninterrupted or meritorious service. The award is also presented to non-Belgian military officers for distinguished service in favor of the Military of Belgium. The decoration has two classes. The Military Cross First Class is awarded to general officers, and the Military Cross Second Class is awarded to non-Belgian officers below the rank of brigadier general for distinguished service. The green silk moiré ribbon for both classes has two red stripes set near the edges. The First Class award is differentiated from the Second Class by a rosette on the ribbon. The Belgian Croix de Guerre (War Cross) is a military decoration established on October 25, 1915, during World War I, to recognize acts of heroism or front service in the face of the enemy performed by individuals or units. The decoration was awarded for service during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, and a post-1954 variant was established for future conflicts. The medal itself is a Bronze cross, 1 9/16 inches wide, surmounted by crossed swords hilts down saltirewise, overall a disk bearing a Belgian lion. The medal is awarded to both Belgians and military personnel of allied forces. The level of command awarding the Croix de Guerre determines the appurtenance worn on the ribbon, which can include Palms and lions. Appurtenances like bronze, silver, and gold lions signify the award level from regimental to divisional, while bronze, silver, and gold palms represent Army level and multiples of the silver palm. The decoration is currently considered dormant, though the cross itself has not been officially abolished. The post-World War II decoration could also be awarded to units that were cited, and authorized units may also display the Belgian Fourragere for permanent wear.