Spain, Franco Period. A War Cross Breast Star, C. 1940

(Cruz de Guerra). Instituted 1938. Franco Period. Type I (1938-1942). An eight-pointed silver star, with superposed obverse centre medallion in bronze gilt depicting a red, white and blue enamelled Spanish coat of arms, with blue-enamelled border depicting the inscription “Al Mérito en Campaña” (To Merit in Campaign), surrounded a cross with expand arms into three points, silver gilt cross with crossed swords and a laurel wreath, reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 59.49 mm (w) x 59.69 mm (h), minor oxidation in edges areas, better than very fine.

Footnote: The War Cross was established in Spain after the end of the Civil War, by General Francisco Franco on January 26, 1938. The Cross was founded to reward the Nationalist military personnel who defeated Republican forces at the Civil War. It was awarded to all the branches of the Spanish Army who rendered extraordinary and effective services to the Nationalist cause.

The Cross is currently awarded to Spanish military personnel in recognition of their great and heroic deeds, and merit within dangerous campaigns.