#40 • French Croix De Guerre Medals: Lot of Five

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

High bid $130.00

Status: Sold

French Croix De Guerre Medals: Lot of Five. Group of 5 French Croix De Guerre medals including; 1.) World War I Croix de Guerre medal with no devices on ribbon. 2.) World War I Croix de Guerre medal with palm device on ribbon. 3.) World War I Croix de Guerre medal with bronze star device on ribbon. Medal lacks pin device on reverse. 4.) World War I Croix de Guerre medal with silver star device on ribbon. 5.) Croix de Guerre medal for Foreign Operational Theatres (for wars other than World War I and World War II not fought on French soil) with no devices on ribbon. Estimate: $150 - $200 Historical Background: The Croix de Guerre, meaning "War Cross," is a French military decoration established on April 2, 1915, during World War I to recognize acts of heroism involving combat with enemy forces. It is awarded to individuals, as well as collectively to military units, cities, and villages, who distinguish themselves by gallantry in wartime. The medal is a bronze cross with crossed swords and a disk bearing the Head of the Republic. It has been issued for service in World War I, World War II, and other overseas operations, with specific variations such as the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 and the Croix de Guerre 1939–1945. The decoration has four degrees, indicated by different clasps on the ribbon: a bronze star for mentions at the regiment or brigade level, a silver star for division level, a silver-gilt star for corps level, and a bronze palm for army level. A silver palm stands for five bronze palms. This system allows the medal to denote the level of recognition received for a particular act of bravery. It is presented by France and is eligible for military personnel, often including members of allied countries, such as US Army units and individuals during World War I and World War II.