What is 10 Second War Stories?

10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

What does the War Cross look like?

The medal is shaped like a cross made of bronze. It features two swords that cross behind the center of the cross. A shield with the Greek national crest sits right in the middle to show pride in the country.

Why are there different versions of the War Cross?

Greece created new versions to honor soldiers during different big wars. The first version started in 1917 during World War I, and a second one came out in 1940 when Italy invaded. After the government changed in 1974, a third version was made to honor modern service.

Who can win the First Class War Cross?

The First Class medal is a high honor saved for those who show great leadership. It is usually given to high-ranking officers who lead their troops well in battle. Sometimes, the medal is given to entire groups of soldiers who fought bravely together.

Did Greek pilots receive this medal?

Yes, many brave Greek pilots earned this award for their work in the air. These pilots were honored for their service during the tough battles of World War II. They also received the medal for their heroic flying during the Korean War.

Can whole military units wear the War Cross?

Yes, the government can give this award to an entire military unit. When a unit does something very brave, they attach the medal to their unit flag. This shows everyone that every soldier in that group acted with great courage in combat.

What does the War Cross look like?

The medal is shaped like a cross made of bronze. It features two swords that cross behind the center of the cross. A shield with the Greek national crest sits right in the middle to show pride in the country.

Why are there different versions of the War Cross?

Greece created new versions to honor soldiers during different big wars. The first version started in 1917 during World War I, and a second one came out in 1940 when Italy invaded. After the government changed in 1974, a third version was made to honor modern service.

Who can win the First Class War Cross?

The First Class medal is a high honor saved for those who show great leadership. It is usually given to high-ranking officers who lead their troops well in battle. Sometimes, the medal is given to entire groups of soldiers who fought bravely together.

Did Greek pilots receive this medal?

Yes, many brave Greek pilots earned this award for their work in the air. These pilots were honored for their service during the tough battles of World War II. They also received the medal for their heroic flying during the Korean War.

Can whole military units wear the War Cross?

Yes, the government can give this award to an entire military unit. When a unit does something very brave, they attach the medal to their unit flag. This shows everyone that every soldier in that group acted with great courage in combat.

Home Library GreeceWar Cross

Valor decoration

War Cross

The War Cross is a premier Greek battlefield decoration awarded for distinguished courage and leadership in wartime.

Greece Established 1917 All servicesPrecedence: 2nd, after the Cross of Valour

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for distinguished acts of courage, leadership, and operational heroism against hostile forces.

Eligibility

Greek military personnel and foreign allied troops who distinguish themselves on the battlefield.

Branch

All services

Precedence

2nd, after the Cross of Valour

War Cross, Valor decoration, Greece medal

History

The War Cross was established in February 1917 by the provisional government during World War I. It was designed to provide a combat award similar to the French Croix de Guerre, honoring frontline bravery that stood out during tough battles.

A second version was instituted in November 1940 after Greece was invaded by Italy. This 1940 edition was widely awarded to Greek and allied soldiers during World War II, the Greek resistance, and the Greek Civil War.

Following the fall of the military junta in 1974, a third version was introduced for modern service. While the older versions featured crowns, modern crosses bear the national emblem and honor heroic leadership in combat and international missions.