Croix de Guerre (War Cross 1914-1918 ) Probably the best known French decoration, this cross was awarded to all those who were mentioned in dispatches since the outbreak of war (2 August 1914).

It was instituted on 8 April 1915 as an outward recognition for being mentioned in the order of the day of an army, corps, division, brigade or batallion. Award of the Legion of Honour for valour displayed on the field or of the Military Medal automatically brought entitlement to the War Cross.



According to the nature of the mention, emblems were affixed on the ribbon:



Bronze palm for mention on army level (5 bronze palms to be replaced by a silver one by decree of 8 January 1917)

Gilt star for mention on corps level

Silver star for mention on division level

Bronze star for mention on brigade or batallion level.

By 1 March 1920 already more than 2,055,000 crosses had been awarded. The reverse side bears the year 1914 together with the year in which they were struck (1915, 1916, 1917 or 1918).