War Cross (Belgium)

War Cross
World War II era cross
Country	Belgium
Type	Military decoration
Eligibility	Belgians and soldiers of allied forces
Awarded for	Military virtue on the field of battle
Statistics
Established	25 October 1915 World War I 20 July 1940 World War II
Ribbon bar for World War I Ribbon bar for World War II Ribbon bar for 1954–present

The Belgian War Cross (French: Croix de guerre, Dutch: Oorlogskruis, German: Kriegskreuz), established on 25 October 1915 is a military decoration of the Kingdom of Belgium. Presented primarily as an award for bravery or other military virtue on the battlefield. The award was reestablished on 20 July 1940, by the Belgian Government in exile in London, for recognition of bravery and military virtue during World War II. The decoration could be awarded to units after this 1940 reestablishment.

During World War I, the Belgian War Cross was awarded to individuals only. It was awarded at different levels of command. The level of the awarding command determined the appurtenance worn on the ribbon. A bronze lion awarded at the regimental level; a silver lion at the brigade level; a gold lion at the division level; a bronze palm indicates an award at the Army level. A silver palm was worn in place of five bronze palms.

During World War II the cross was allowed as a unit award, with the cross being presented to the units colors, attached by a streamer in the same color and pattern as the ribbon for the medal. The Belgian Fourragère could be awarded by the Belgian Government if a unit was twice awarded the War Cross. Award of the fourragére was not automatic and requires a specific decree of the Belgian Government. The fourragére is the same colors as the ribbon for the War Cross. The Belgian fourragére was only worn by those who were members of the unit at the time of the award.

See also

• Croix de guerre

External links

• Croix De Guerre, Belgium
• HET OORLOGSKRUIS '14-'18 (Dutch)
• Les Décorations belges officielles de la première guerre mondiale (French)