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What is on the central medallion of the cross?

The center of the cross features the Belgian lion standing on a shield. This brave lion image is surrounded by a circle of blue enamel. Inside that blue ring, you can see the motto of Belgium written in gold. Those special words mean that unity makes a country strong.

What color is the ribbon?

The ribbon is a deep, dark blue color that is easy to see on a soldier's uniform. A single thin black stripe runs right down the center of the ribbon. This specific pattern was created in 1900 to help people recognize the medal from far away. It stands out clearly against the other ribbons that soldiers wear for their service.

Does this award include medals as well as crosses?

Yes, the system uses many different levels to reward different kinds of hard work. Below the higher ranks, there are medals made of gold, silver, and bronze. These were added to the system in 1908 so the country could honor many people for their loyal service. It is a flexible way for the king to say thank you for many levels of duty.

Can foreign soldiers receive it?

Yes, this medal is often given to brave soldiers from other countries who helped Belgium during times of war. Many allied troops who fought to free Belgium from enemies in 1944 were given this honor. It is a special way for the Belgian government to thank its friends for their help. It shows that Belgium remembers those who stood by them during the dangers of World War I and World War II.

Is this still awarded today?

Yes, the Order of Leopold II is still an active and important honor in Belgium today. It was first started in 1900 and has been used to reward people for over 120 years. It is presented to both military members and civilians for their dedicated and loyal service. By continuing to award it, the country shows that it values people who work hard for the nation.

What is on the central medallion of the cross?

The center of the cross features the Belgian lion standing on a shield. This brave lion image is surrounded by a circle of blue enamel. Inside that blue ring, you can see the motto of Belgium written in gold. Those special words mean that unity makes a country strong.

What color is the ribbon?

The ribbon is a deep, dark blue color that is easy to see on a soldier's uniform. A single thin black stripe runs right down the center of the ribbon. This specific pattern was created in 1900 to help people recognize the medal from far away. It stands out clearly against the other ribbons that soldiers wear for their service.

Does this award include medals as well as crosses?

Yes, the system uses many different levels to reward different kinds of hard work. Below the higher ranks, there are medals made of gold, silver, and bronze. These were added to the system in 1908 so the country could honor many people for their loyal service. It is a flexible way for the king to say thank you for many levels of duty.

Can foreign soldiers receive it?

Yes, this medal is often given to brave soldiers from other countries who helped Belgium during times of war. Many allied troops who fought to free Belgium from enemies in 1944 were given this honor. It is a special way for the Belgian government to thank its friends for their help. It shows that Belgium remembers those who stood by them during the dangers of World War I and World War II.

Is this still awarded today?

Yes, the Order of Leopold II is still an active and important honor in Belgium today. It was first started in 1900 and has been used to reward people for over 120 years. It is presented to both military members and civilians for their dedicated and loyal service. By continuing to award it, the country shows that it values people who work hard for the nation.

Home Library BelgiumOrder of Leopold II

Merit decoration

Order of Leopold II

This order rewards devoted service to the sovereign and remarkable bravery in times of national danger.

Belgium Established 1900 All servicesPrecedence: 3rd national order, following the Order of the Crown.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for meritorious service to the sovereign or commendable bravery during military operations.

Eligibility

Belgian servicemen, civil servants, and allied military personnel.

Branch

All services

Precedence

3rd national order, following the Order of the Crown.

Order of Leopold II, Merit decoration, Belgium medal

History

Instituted in 1900 by King Leopold II, this order was incorporated into the national honors system in 1908. It gave the Belgian state a third national order, providing more ways to honor both soldiers and civilians for loyal duty. When war broke out, crossed swords were added to signify combat service.

Throughout both World Wars, soldiers who showed bravery or faced severe combat were inducted into the order. It could be issued with ribbon palms to indicate special acts of battlefield devotion. It also recognized key service by allied troops helping liberate Belgium.

The Order of Leopold II continues to be presented today. It remains an important bridge between military decorations and civic honors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War I World War II

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Gaston Braun, including Military Decoration for Exceptional Service or Acts of Courage or Devotion, Yser Medal, Commemorative Medal of the 1914–1918 War, Order of Leopold II, Order of the Crown, shown against a light Belgium flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWI

Military Decoration for Exceptional Service or Acts of Courage or Devotion Yser Medal Commemorative Medal of the 1914–1918 War+2

Gaston Braun

Who Was Major General Gaston Braun?

A distinguished Belgian commander who served with distinction during the First World War.

Belgium1914-1918

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Sources

Back to Belgium