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Military Cross (Belgium)
Encyclopedia
The Military Cross is a military decoration of Belgium
. It was established on 11 February 1885 and is awarded to commissioned officers in the Belgian Armed Forces
for loyal and uninterrupted service. Officers of the military reserve
can also be awarded this decoration, on the condition that they participated in the yearly training period every year. Annually, approximately 300 Military Crosses are awarded.
The ribbon is green, with two red stripes set in one mm from the edge. The design is such that it is noticed as being the ribbon for the Military Cross. The ribbon that is attached to the medal is tinted in a green colour, with two red stripes that is the same as the ribbon that is used in an undress. The ribbon on the medal is attached by a golden ring which is attached to a golden clasp which connects with the medal. In addition, the Military Cross First Class has a rosette
on the ribbon.
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
. It was established on 11 February 1885 and is awarded to commissioned officers in the Belgian Armed Forces
Military of Belgium
The Belgian Army is the national military of Belgium. The Belgian Army was established after Belgium became independent in October 1830...
for loyal and uninterrupted service. Officers of the military reserve
Military reserve force
A military reserve force is a military organization composed of citizens of a country who combine a military role or career with a civilian career. They are not normally kept under arms and their main role is to be available to fight when a nation mobilizes for total war or to defend against invasion...
can also be awarded this decoration, on the condition that they participated in the yearly training period every year. Annually, approximately 300 Military Crosses are awarded.
Insigna
It has a gilt finish bath cross with the arms filled in with black enamel. Crossed swords are positioned between the arms of the cross. Suspension is by means of a pivoting crown and ring. The obverse central medallion depicts the Belgian lion rampant, the reverse medallion bears the royal monogram. The medal is silver for the Military Cross Second Class and Gold for the Military Cross First Class.The ribbon is green, with two red stripes set in one mm from the edge. The design is such that it is noticed as being the ribbon for the Military Cross. The ribbon that is attached to the medal is tinted in a green colour, with two red stripes that is the same as the ribbon that is used in an undress. The ribbon on the medal is attached by a golden ring which is attached to a golden clasp which connects with the medal. In addition, the Military Cross First Class has a rosette
Rosette (decoration)
A rosette is a small, circular device that is presented with a medal. The rosettes are primarily for situations where wearing the medal is deemed inappropriate. Rosettes are issued in nations such as France, Italy and Japan...
on the ribbon.
Award Conditions
The Military Cross is awarded to commissioned officers of the Belgian armed forces on the basis of their length of service:- Military Cross First Class: Awarded after 25 years of meritorious service as a commissioned officer;
- Military Cross Second Class: Awarded to a commissioned officer after 25 years of meritorious service in the Belgian military.
See also
- Cross of Honour for Military Service AbroadCross of Honour for Military Service AbroadThe Cross of Honour for Military Service Abroad is a Belgian military decoration which was awarded to Belgian servicemen who served for a long period of time in the Federal Republic of Germany, Zaire , Rwanda or Burundi...
- Military Decoration (Belgium)Military Decoration (Belgium)The Military Decoration is a military decoration of Belgium. It was established on 22 December 1873 and is awarded to non-commissioned officers and other ranks in the Belgian Armed Forces for gallantry or loyal and uninterrupted service...
- Commemorative Medal for Armed Humanitarian OperationsCommemorative Medal for Armed Humanitarian OperationsThe Commemorative Medal for Armed Humanitarian Operations is a military decoration of Belgium. It was established on 11 September 1987 and is awarded to military and civilian members of the Belgian Defence who participated in armed humanitarian operations....
- Commemorative Medal for Foreign Operation or MissionCommemorative Medal for Foreign Operation or MissionThe Commemorative Medal for Foreign Operation or Mission is a military decoration of Belgium. It was established on 13 April 1993 and is awarded to military and civilian members of the Belgian Defence who participated in operations or missions outside of the territory of Belgium.- Insigna :The...
- Medal of Military Merit (Belgium)Medal of Military Merit (Belgium)The Medal of Merit for personnel of the Belgian Defence Forces and Foreign Armed Forces is a military decoration of Belgium. It was established on 23 February 2005 as a more rewarding successor of an earlier Medal of Military Merit and is awarded to members of the Belgian Armed Forces and...
- Commemorative Medals for Army MarchesCommemorative Medals for Army MarchesThe Commemorative Medals for Army Marches are two distinct medals awarded for participating in the two marches organised yearly by the Belgian Army. They are not decorations, but they may be worn by members of the Belgian Armed Forces on their uniform during the year following the participation if...
- List of Belgian decorations
- List of Belgian military decorations