Croix de Guerre (France)

A French military decoration awarded during both the First and Second World Wars and in other conflicts. It may be awarded either as an individual award, or as a unit award to those soldiers who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism, involving combat with the enemy. The medal is awarded to those who have been ‘mentioned in despatches’, meaning a heroic deed or deeds were performed, meriting a citation from an individual’s headquarters unit.

A star or palm emblem in either bronze, silver, or gold would be attached to the ribbon indicating at what level the individual was recognised (i.e. regiment, division, corps, army). Please note this image of the medal includes a bronze star.