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Why was this medal founded?

King Carol I created this medal in 1881 to celebrate Romania becoming an official kingdom. It was meant to reward people who did great things for the country during times of peace or war. This special honor helped build pride in the new nation.

What is pictured in the middle of the cross?

The medal has a beautiful red circle in the very center. Inside that circle sits the royal steel crown of Romania. This crown was a famous symbol used to show the power and history of the Romanian monarchy.

Did German soldiers receive this medal during World War II?

Yes, many German officers who fought alongside the Romanian army were given this honor. It was common for allies to give medals to each other during the war. Thousands of officers earned this award for their bravery and service on the battlefield.

Is it part of the modern republic's honours system?

No, the government stopped using this medal when Romania became a communist state in 1947. Today, the country's official award system does not include it. However, the Romanian Royal Family still keeps the tradition alive by giving it as a private honor.

What color was the ribbon during combat?

When a soldier earned this medal for bravery in battle, they received a special ribbon. It was mostly light blue, but it had narrow dark blue stripes on the edges. This design helped people easily spot that the person had earned the award through military action.

Why was this medal founded?

King Carol I created this medal in 1881 to celebrate Romania becoming an official kingdom. It was meant to reward people who did great things for the country during times of peace or war. This special honor helped build pride in the new nation.

What is pictured in the middle of the cross?

The medal has a beautiful red circle in the very center. Inside that circle sits the royal steel crown of Romania. This crown was a famous symbol used to show the power and history of the Romanian monarchy.

Did German soldiers receive this medal during World War II?

Yes, many German officers who fought alongside the Romanian army were given this honor. It was common for allies to give medals to each other during the war. Thousands of officers earned this award for their bravery and service on the battlefield.

Is it part of the modern republic's honours system?

No, the government stopped using this medal when Romania became a communist state in 1947. Today, the country's official award system does not include it. However, the Romanian Royal Family still keeps the tradition alive by giving it as a private honor.

What color was the ribbon during combat?

When a soldier earned this medal for bravery in battle, they received a special ribbon. It was mostly light blue, but it had narrow dark blue stripes on the edges. This design helped people easily spot that the person had earned the award through military action.

Home Library RomaniaOrder of the Crown of Romania

Distinguished service decoration

Order of the Crown of Romania

A distinguished service order created to celebrate Romanian statehood and reward important military achievements.

Romania Established 1881 All servicesPrecedence: Ranked directly behind the Order of the Star of Romania in the royal system

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for exceptional merit and distinguished services rendered to the Romanian state in peace or war.

Eligibility

Military officers of the Romanian Armed Forces and allied foreign officers.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Ranked directly behind the Order of the Star of Romania in the royal system

Order of the Crown of Romania, Distinguished service decoration, Romania medal

History

The Order of the Crown of Romania was established by King Carol I in 1881 to commemorate Romania becoming a kingdom. When war broke out, a military division was added that used crossed swords and special ribbons to honor brave commanders.

It was one of the most widely awarded military decorations during World War I and World War II, given to thousands of officers who led troops in battle. The order was scrapped during communist rule in 1947, though the Romanian Royal House still maintains it as a dynastic award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Second Balkan WarWorld War I World War II

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Alexandru Averescu, including Order of the Crown of Romania, Order of the Star of Romania, shown against a light Romania flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWI

Order of the Crown of Romania Order of the Star of Romania

Alexandru Averescu

Who Was Alexandru Averescu?

A top Romanian commander during the First World War who led the decisive victory at Marasti.

RomaniaJuly 1917

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Sources

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