Original French Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 + Bronze Star on the ribbon. The Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 is one of France’s most iconic military decorations, established on 2 April 1915 to recognize acts of bravery and citations in dispatches during the First World War.
Created in response to the need for a formal award beyond written citations, it became a widely awarded decoration to French and Allied soldiers, as well as civilians and even entire units and towns.
Historical Background
At the outbreak of World War I, recognition for bravery was limited to written citations or high-level awards such as the Légion d’Honneur and Médaille Militaire. Due to the scale of the conflict, a new decoration was required.
Driven by figures such as General Boëlle, Maurice Barrès, and Georges Bonnefous, the Croix de Guerre was officially adopted in 1915 and became a central symbol of wartime valor.
Award Criteria
The Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 was awarded to:
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French and Allied soldiers cited for acts of bravery
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Civilians recognized for courage under enemy action
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Recipients of the Légion d’Honneur or Médaille Militaire for wartime valor
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Military units, ships, and squadrons (collective awards)
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Cities and villages destroyed or heavily affected by war
The medal is awarded once, with additional acts of bravery indicated by devices on the ribbon.
Design & Characteristics
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Material: Bronze (Florentine bronze)
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Size: approx. 37 mm
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Designer: Paul-Albert Bartholomé
Obverse:
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Cross pattée with crossed swords
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Central medallion: Marianne (symbol of the French Republic) wearing a Phrygian cap
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Inscription: “RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE”
Reverse:
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Central dates indicating the war period (most commonly 1914–1918)
Ribbon & Devices
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Ribbon: Green with seven vertical red stripes and red edges
Citation Devices (very important for collectors):
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⭐ Bronze Star – Regiment / Brigade level
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⭐ Silver Star – Division level
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⭐ Silver-Gilt Star (Vermeil) – Corps level
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🌿 Bronze Palm – Army level
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🌿 Silver Palm – Represents five bronze palms
The number of devices is unlimited, making each medal unique to the recipient’s service record.
Condition: As seen in the images.
An essential and highly collectible First World War decoration, prized for its historical significance and individualized citation system.
