Croix de Guerre

The Croix de guerre (English translation: Cross of War) is a military medal of both France and Belgium.

Croix de guerre or Oorlogskruis
Awarded by France and Croix De Guerre Media Nastro della croce di guerra francese del 1914-1918 con palma di bronzo Croix de guerre 1939-1945 with palm (France) - ribbon bar Croix de guerre 1939-1945 streamer French Croix de guerre des TOE Croix de Guerre 1914-1918 ribbon Croix de Guerre 1939-1945 ribbon Croix de Guerre des Theatres d'Operations Exterieurs ribbon Croix de Guerre Vichy ribbon Croix de Guerre Vichy LVF ribbon The coat of arms of Leuven, featuring a French Croix de Guerre presumably to commemorate acts of heroism during the sacking of the city by Germany in 1914 Belgium
Eligibility	Military personnel only
Awarded for	individuals who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism in combat with enemy forces.
Campaign(s)	World War I World War II Other wars not fought on French soil
Status	Active
Description	A bronze cross with swords
Statistics
Established	April 2, 1915
Croix de guerre 1914-1918 & 1939-1945 ribbons with palm

It was first created in 1915 in both countries. It consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts. The Croix de guerre was also often awarded to foreign military forces allied to France and Belgium.

The Croix de guerre may be given to a unit or to individuals who for acts of heroism involving combat with enemy forces. The medal is also awarded to those who have been "mentioned in despatches". This means a heroic deed was performed meriting a citation from an individual's headquarters unit. The unit award of the Croix de guerre was issued to military commanders who performed heroic deeds in combat and were subsequently recognized by headquarters.