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Who can earn the Military Cross?

The Military Cross is a special honor only for commissioned officers in the Belgian Armed Forces. King Leopold II created this award in February 1885 to reward leaders who show great loyalty. It recognizes the hard work of these trained military leaders who serve the country for many years.

How many years of service are needed?

An officer must serve faithfully for at least 25 years to earn the first level of this medal. This long career shows that the officer has been honest and reliable throughout their time in the military. Reaching this 25-year goal is a huge milestone for any officer protecting Belgium and its people.

What is the difference between First and Second Class?

The medal is split into two levels based on the length and quality of an officer's career. You earn the Second Class award after finishing 25 years of honorable service. The First Class award is given after even more years or if the officer reaches a much higher rank. It features a small ribbon rosette to show this higher level.

What does the cross look like?

The medal is shaped like a black cross with thin gold edges that shine in the light. Behind the cross, you will see two crossed swords that represent military strength. In the very middle, there is an image of the Belgian royal lion, which is a proud sign of the country and its history.

Is this given for bravery or time served?

This award is meant for long and loyal service instead of just one brave act during a battle. It celebrates an entire career spent leading soldiers through times of peace and through hard wars. It shows that an officer has been a steady and trusted leader for many decades of their life.

Who can earn the Military Cross?

The Military Cross is a special honor only for commissioned officers in the Belgian Armed Forces. King Leopold II created this award in February 1885 to reward leaders who show great loyalty. It recognizes the hard work of these trained military leaders who serve the country for many years.

How many years of service are needed?

An officer must serve faithfully for at least 25 years to earn the first level of this medal. This long career shows that the officer has been honest and reliable throughout their time in the military. Reaching this 25-year goal is a huge milestone for any officer protecting Belgium and its people.

What is the difference between First and Second Class?

The medal is split into two levels based on the length and quality of an officer's career. You earn the Second Class award after finishing 25 years of honorable service. The First Class award is given after even more years or if the officer reaches a much higher rank. It features a small ribbon rosette to show this higher level.

What does the cross look like?

The medal is shaped like a black cross with thin gold edges that shine in the light. Behind the cross, you will see two crossed swords that represent military strength. In the very middle, there is an image of the Belgian royal lion, which is a proud sign of the country and its history.

Is this given for bravery or time served?

This award is meant for long and loyal service instead of just one brave act during a battle. It celebrates an entire career spent leading soldiers through times of peace and through hard wars. It shows that an officer has been a steady and trusted leader for many decades of their life.

Home Library BelgiumMilitary Cross

Service medal

Military Cross

A prestigious long-service decoration awarded to Belgian military officers for faithful and honorable leadership.

Belgium Established 1885 All servicesPrecedence: Follows national combat decorations and sits above general enlisted long service medals.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded to commissioned military officers for 25 or more years of dedicated and faithful duty.

Eligibility

Commissioned officers of the Belgian Armed Forces.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Follows national combat decorations and sits above general enlisted long service medals.

Military Cross, Service medal, Belgium medal

History

King Leopold II created the Belgian Military Cross in February 1885. The crown wanted a dedicated award to honor commissioned officers who served faithfully for long periods in the military. It provided a clear ladder of achievement as an officer moved through their military career.

The cross is divided into two classes: the Second Class is awarded for 25 years of honorable officer service, while the First Class is awarded after reaching higher seniority or additional years of service. A rosette on the ribbon marks the First Class award.

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the Military Cross has remained the hallmark of a dedicated military officer. It continues to be awarded to commanders who guide the Belgian military in peacetime and war.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War I World War II Cold WarModern Peace Operations

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Andrzej Poczobut, including Iraq Star, Medal of the Armed Forces in the Service of the Fatherland, Warsaw Uprising Cross, Order of the Military Cross, shown against a light Poland flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Gulf War

Iraq Star Medal of the Armed Forces in the Service of the Fatherland Warsaw Uprising Cross+1

Andrzej Poczobut

Who Was Andrzej Poczobut?

A highly decorated Polish special forces veteran of the Iraq War.

Poland2004-04-06

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Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to George Pearkes, including Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, shown against a light Canada flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWI

Victoria Cross Distinguished Service Order Military Cross

George Pearkes

How Did Major George Pearkes Earn the Victoria Cross at Passchendaele?

Major George Pearkes was a Canadian officer awarded the Victoria Cross for his exceptional leadership and bravery during the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917.

CanadianOctober 30-31, 1917

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WWI

Victoria Cross and Bar Military Cross

Noel Chavasse

Who Was Noel Chavasse, the Only Soldier to Win the Victoria Cross Twice During World War I?

Captain Noel Chavasse was a British Army medical officer and the only person to receive the Victoria Cross twice during the First World War.

BritishAugust 1917

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Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Jack Churchill, including Distinguished Service Order and Bar, Military Cross, shown against a light United Kingdom flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Distinguished Service Order and Bar Military Cross

Jack Churchill

Who Was 'Mad Jack' Churchill and Why Did He Carry a Sword Into Battle?

John 'Mad Jack' Churchill was a legendary British Commando officer known for his unconventional combat style, including carrying a Scottish broadsword and longbow into battle.

British1941-12-27

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Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Jeremy Moore, including Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, Officer of the Order of the British Empire, Military Cross and Bar, shown against a light United Kingdom flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Falklands

Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Officer of the Order of the British Empire Military Cross and Bar

Jeremy Moore

Who Was Major General Jeremy Moore and How Did He Accept the Argentine Surrender?

Major General Sir Jeremy Moore was the senior Royal Marine officer who commanded British land forces during the 1982 Falklands War and accepted the Argentine surrender.

British14 June 1982

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Sources

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