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What does Croix de guerre mean?

The name is French and it translates to War Cross in English. King Albert I started this award on October 25, 1915, during the very tough fighting of World War I. He wanted a special way to honor soldiers who showed great bravery while defending Belgium from the trenches. It quickly became one of the most important ways for the country to thank its heroes.

Can soldiers from other countries earn this medal?

Yes, allied soldiers who fought alongside the Belgian army were able to receive this high honor. It was given to any hero who showed exceptional courage while facing enemy forces in battle. This award helped to build strong friendships between different countries fighting together for freedom. It showed that Belgium deeply valued the help of its international partners during the wars.

What do the little bronze lions on the ribbon mean?

These small symbols show that a leader wrote a special report about a soldier in official army papers. These marks act as proof that the soldier performed a very brave act during combat. A soldier could earn these extra pins or palms when their name was mentioned multiple times for their outstanding service. They are like a badge that proves the soldier went far beyond what was asked of them.

Did the ribbon change over time?

Yes, the medal was brought back for World War II and again in 1954 to cover the Korean War. The government added new symbols so people could tell which war the medal was for. These small changes help historians see exactly when and where a brave soldier earned their award. Each version kept the original goal of honoring soldiers who risked their lives for their country.

Can an entire army unit receive this award?

Yes, groups of soldiers who acted with great bravery together could earn this medal as a whole team. When an entire unit was honored, they were allowed to tie a special braided rope called a fourragere to their unit flag. This showed everyone that the whole group worked together to perform a very brave act in the fight. It was a proud way to celebrate the strength and teamwork of an entire company.

What does Croix de guerre mean?

The name is French and it translates to War Cross in English. King Albert I started this award on October 25, 1915, during the very tough fighting of World War I. He wanted a special way to honor soldiers who showed great bravery while defending Belgium from the trenches. It quickly became one of the most important ways for the country to thank its heroes.

Can soldiers from other countries earn this medal?

Yes, allied soldiers who fought alongside the Belgian army were able to receive this high honor. It was given to any hero who showed exceptional courage while facing enemy forces in battle. This award helped to build strong friendships between different countries fighting together for freedom. It showed that Belgium deeply valued the help of its international partners during the wars.

What do the little bronze lions on the ribbon mean?

These small symbols show that a leader wrote a special report about a soldier in official army papers. These marks act as proof that the soldier performed a very brave act during combat. A soldier could earn these extra pins or palms when their name was mentioned multiple times for their outstanding service. They are like a badge that proves the soldier went far beyond what was asked of them.

Did the ribbon change over time?

Yes, the medal was brought back for World War II and again in 1954 to cover the Korean War. The government added new symbols so people could tell which war the medal was for. These small changes help historians see exactly when and where a brave soldier earned their award. Each version kept the original goal of honoring soldiers who risked their lives for their country.

Can an entire army unit receive this award?

Yes, groups of soldiers who acted with great bravery together could earn this medal as a whole team. When an entire unit was honored, they were allowed to tie a special braided rope called a fourragere to their unit flag. This showed everyone that the whole group worked together to perform a very brave act in the fight. It was a proud way to celebrate the strength and teamwork of an entire company.

Home Library BelgiumCroix de guerre

Valor decoration

Croix de guerre

This war cross honors soldiers and allies who showed outstanding bravery while facing the enemy in combat.

Belgium Established 1915 All servicesPrecedence: Follows national knightly orders and sits among the highest combat valor awards.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for exceptional bravery or courage in the face of an enemy force.

Eligibility

Belgian military personnel, resistance members, and allied armed forces.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Follows national knightly orders and sits among the highest combat valor awards.

Croix de guerre, Valor decoration, Belgium medal

History

King Albert I created the Belgian War Cross on October 25, 1915, during the hard fighting of World War I. Belgian troops were holding a small corner of their country behind flooded fields, and their leaders needed a special medal to reward courage in the trenches. It gave troops an immediate battlefield honor much like the famous French cross.

The medal was renewed in 1940 by the Belgian government-in-exile during World War II. It was established again in 1954 so it could be awarded in future conflicts, including the Korean War. The medal could be given to individual soldiers, resistance fighters, and even entire units.

Over time, small bronze or silver lions and bronze palms were attached to the ribbon to show mentions in army dispatches. It remains one of Belgium's most recognized combat medals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War I World War II Korean War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Jean-Pierre Delaunay, including Vichy Colonial Medal, Croix de Guerre (Vichy), Order of the Francisque, Croix du Combattant 1939–1940 (Vichy), Commemorative Medal for Syria-Cilicia with 'Levant 1941' Clasp, Medal of Merit for Black Africa, Croix de Guerre for the Legion of French Volunteers, Order of Work Merit (Vichy), Badge of the Milice Française, Wounded Insignia (Vichy Issue), shown against a light Vichy France flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Vichy Colonial Medal Croix de Guerre (Vichy) Order of the Francisque+7

Jean-Pierre Delaunay

Who Was Jean-Pierre Delaunay?

A French military officer who served under the Vichy regime and with the LVF.

Vichy France1941-1943

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Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Dwight Eisenhower, including Legion of Merit (Allied Degree of Chief Commander), Fourragère de la Légion d'Honneur, Order of the Patriotic War (Allied Presentations), Inter-Allied Victory Medal, Croix de Guerre with Allied Palms, Order of the British Empire (Military Division - Allied Conferred), Inter-Allied Commemorative Medal of the Federation of Interallied Combatants, shown against a light Allied Powers flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Legion of Merit (Allied Degree of Chief Commander) Fourragère de la Légion d'Honneur Order of the Patriotic War (Allied Presentations)+4

Dwight Eisenhower

Who Was Dwight D. Eisenhower?

The Supreme Allied Commander who led the liberation of Western Europe during World War II.

Allied Powers1944-06-06

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WWI

Distinguished Conduct Medal Croix de Guerre

Billy Sing

Who Was Billy Sing, the Deadly Sniper of Gallipoli?

Billy Sing was a highly skilled Australian sniper of Chinese and English heritage who gained fame for his lethal accuracy during the Gallipoli campaign.

AustralianMay 1915 – December 1915

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Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Nancy Wake, including George Medal, Medal of Freedom, Médaille de la Résistance, Croix de Guerre, shown against a light France flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

George Medal Medal of Freedom Médaille de la Résistance+1

Nancy Wake

Who Was the 'White Mouse' of the French Resistance?

Nancy Wake was a daring SOE agent and French Resistance leader who evaded the Gestapo to become one of the most decorated women of World War II.

New Zealander/Australian1944

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Sources

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