Luxembourg War Cross | |
---|---|
Type | Military decoration |
Awarded for | Distinguished acts of courage and bravery |
Presented by | Luxembourg |
Status | Not currently awarded |
Established | 17 April 1945 |
Luxembourg War Cross ribbon bar Luxembourg War Cross Unit award Unit award streamer | |
Precedence | |
Next (higher) | Cross of Honour and Military Merit [1] |
Equivalent | Luxembourg War Cross (1951) |
The Luxembourg War Cross (French : Croix de Guerre, German : Kriegskreuz) is a military decoration of Luxembourg. It was created on 17 April 1945 by the Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg. [2] [3] The War Cross recognizes military service and feats of bravery. [2] [3] The medal is often referred to as the Luxembourg Croix de Guerre (French for War Cross) as French is one of Luxembourg's three official languages. [4]
Luxembourg bestowed the War Cross on both Luxembourg citizens and members of the Allied Forces for acts of particular bravery or valor during the Liberation of Luxembourg. [4] The War Cross could also be awarded to military units. [5] [6] [7] The Luxembourg War Cross was one of the rarest foreign decorations bestowed on allied troops due to the small number of combat operations that took place in Luxembourg—in contrast to major fighting in places like Belgium, France, and Germany.[ citation needed ]
The War Cross 1940–1945 was established in April 1945 by Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg. This decoration was awarded to members of the armed forces and paramilitary organizations who rendered distinguished service during World War II. Foreigners were also eligible for award.
The medal is a dark bronze cross in the Cross pattée design. [3] The cross is surmounted by a grand ducal crown. [8] [4] On the obverse side it has a large letter C surmounted by a crown. The reverse side of it has the date 1940. The cross has crossed swords between the arms of the cross pointing upward, also made of the dark bronze. [2] [3] The ribbon of the War Cross is Nassau blue, with three stripes of yellow-orange spaced equally from the center. The edges are also yellow-orange. [8]
The War Cross 1951 was instituted in May 1951. This decoration is awarded to those members of Military of Luxembourg and paramilitary organizations who have distinguished themselves through acts of bravery and courage. It may be awarded posthumously. The decoration may also be awarded to foreigners. The War Cross 1951 was established to allow the government of Luxembourg to recognize service in the Korean War, as well as in future conflicts. [8]
The War Cross 1951 appears exactly as the War Cross 1940–1945, with the exception of the reverse. Instead of bearing the date 1940, that space is occupied by a wreath of oak leaves. [8] [4]
The United States Military allows members of those units which have been awarded the decoration wear the blue and yellow-orange ribbon, enclosed within a gold frame. This represents the unit's receipt of the award as a streamer in the same colors as the ribbon carried on the unit's standard. [9]
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The Croix de guerre 1914–1918 is a French military decoration, the first version of the Croix de guerre. It was created to recognize French and allied soldiers who were cited for valorous service during World War I, similar to the British mentioned in dispatches but with multiple degrees equivalent to other nations' decorations for courage.
The Croix de guerre 1939–1945 is a French military decoration, a version of the Croix de guerre created on 26 September 1939 to honour people who fought with the Allies against the Axis forces at any time during World War II.
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Cross of Honour and Military Merit is a military decoration of Luxembourg established by Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg in May 1951. The cross is awarded for distinguished service to the military in times of peace. In times of war the cross is awarded for outstanding acts of courage and bravery. The cross is awarded in three classes gilt, silver, and bronze.
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