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What is this cross made to celebrate?

This medal honors soldiers who show extreme courage while facing the enemy in battle. It is given for heroic acts that go far beyond what a soldier is normally expected to do in war. These heroes risked their own lives to save their teammates or to complete a very dangerous mission. It shows the highest level of duty and sacrifice during the heat of a fight.

When was this medal created?

The medal was officially created in 1982 during the Falklands War, known in Argentina as the Guerra de las Malvinas. The government passed a special law to start this award because they needed a way to honor the bravery shown during that specific conflict. It was designed to be just as important as the highest honors used by other countries around the world.

Can any military branch earn it?

Yes, any person serving in the Argentine military can receive this high honor. This includes members from the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Marines. It is meant for anyone who fights with great spirit, whether they are a full-time soldier or someone called up to serve their country. The award is open to all these groups to show how much the country values their courage.

Is this Argentina's highest war medal?

Yes, it is the most important award for bravery in the entire country. It ranks as the very first among all other combat medals given to the Argentine military. Because it is given so rarely, it represents the highest level of heroic action a person can take during a fight. It remains the top honor a soldier can earn for their service in battle.

Can it be given to someone after they have died?

Yes, this medal can be given to a hero after they have passed away. Many soldiers who showed amazing courage during the 1982 war were honored this way after they gave their lives for their country. It serves as a way for the nation to remember their names and their bravery forever. It is a special sign of respect and thanks for their ultimate sacrifice.

What is this cross made to celebrate?

This medal honors soldiers who show extreme courage while facing the enemy in battle. It is given for heroic acts that go far beyond what a soldier is normally expected to do in war. These heroes risked their own lives to save their teammates or to complete a very dangerous mission. It shows the highest level of duty and sacrifice during the heat of a fight.

When was this medal created?

The medal was officially created in 1982 during the Falklands War, known in Argentina as the Guerra de las Malvinas. The government passed a special law to start this award because they needed a way to honor the bravery shown during that specific conflict. It was designed to be just as important as the highest honors used by other countries around the world.

Can any military branch earn it?

Yes, any person serving in the Argentine military can receive this high honor. This includes members from the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Marines. It is meant for anyone who fights with great spirit, whether they are a full-time soldier or someone called up to serve their country. The award is open to all these groups to show how much the country values their courage.

Is this Argentina's highest war medal?

Yes, it is the most important award for bravery in the entire country. It ranks as the very first among all other combat medals given to the Argentine military. Because it is given so rarely, it represents the highest level of heroic action a person can take during a fight. It remains the top honor a soldier can earn for their service in battle.

Can it be given to someone after they have died?

Yes, this medal can be given to a hero after they have passed away. Many soldiers who showed amazing courage during the 1982 war were honored this way after they gave their lives for their country. It serves as a way for the nation to remember their names and their bravery forever. It is a special sign of respect and thanks for their ultimate sacrifice.

Home Library ArgentinaCross to the Heroic Valour in Combat

Valor decoration

Cross to the Heroic Valour in Combat

This award is the highest military medal in Argentina, given for extreme bravery while facing the enemy.

Argentina Established 1982 All servicesPrecedence: 1st among military combat decorations

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for exceptional heroism, self-sacrifice, and extraordinary acts of bravery carried out during combat operations.

Eligibility

Open to all active or mobilized Argentine military personnel who fight with extreme gallantry in combat.

Branch

All services

Precedence

1st among military combat decorations

Cross to the Heroic Valour in Combat, Valor decoration, Argentina medal

History

Argentina established the Cross to the Heroic Valour in Combat by national law in 1982 during the Falklands War (Guerra de las Malvinas). It was created to recognize acts of extreme bravery that went far above what was expected in duty.

The medal did not replace an earlier medal. Instead, it was designed specifically to give the country an award equal to the world's highest combat decorations. It can be presented directly by the President or authorized by the National Congress.

Over the years, this rare cross was awarded to a select group of Argentine soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who fought in 1982. Today, it remains Argentina's greatest combat valor decoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Falklands War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Alberto Filippini, including Order of Naval Merit, Cross to the Heroic Valour in Combat, shown against a light Argentina flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Falklands

Order of Naval Merit Cross to the Heroic Valour in Combat

Alberto Filippini

Who Was Alberto Filippini?

A decorated Argentine naval officer who fought during the Falklands War.

ArgentinaApril 25, 1982

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Sources

Back to Argentina