BACKGROUND: Instituted on 25 October 1915, the Belgian Croix de Guerre (or War Cross) was given in recognition of acts of bravery and also for periods of service amounting to three years on the front line. The award was also presented to foreign nationals for acts of bravery performed on Belgian soil. The medal was awarded by different levels of command and was indicated by emblems worn on the ribbon, a bronze palm by the army, a bronze lion by a regiment and a gold lion by land forces.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The award consists of a bronze Maltese cross, about 1 1/2" across, with crossed swords between the arms and ball finials to each of the eight points. On the obverse and reverse are 1/2" central disks with beaded borders, the obverse featuring a Lion Rampant while the reverse has the has the monogram, a stylized "A", of King Albert. Attached to the top of the cross is a 3 dimensional bronze crown, with ball and cross on top. A ring passes through the ball on the top of the crown though which a 1 7/16" piece of the original, red with five green stripes, ribbon is threaded. Attached to the ribbon is bronze palm with the monogram, a stylized "A", of King Albert to its center which indicates it being awarded by the army. Included with the medal is a 13 5/16" by 1 9/16" piece of, burgundy cloth covered, cardboard around which was wrapped and glued a piece of the original ribbon, which has now separated from the glue. Other than an overall age patina the medal is in great condition with the ribbon still bright.

GRADE****1/2                                 PRICE $60.00