Belgian military insignia of 2nd class 1st degree

Bronze, gilding. On the original tape. The sign has the shape of a cross, between the sides of which are rays radiating from the center. At the top of the cross is adjacent to the Royal crown in the center of the cross in the round medallion depicts the Belgian lion surrounded by a ring with the inscription: "Unity makes strong" in two languages: French and Flemish.

It was established on December 22, 1873 to reward non-commissioned officers and enlisted men of the Belgian army who showed bravery and selflessness in battle with the enemy, and for years of service. In 1902, the Statute of the award was updated. The next update took place in 1952, when the award of this distinction was extended to officers. This change in status was due to the Korean war that was taking place at that time, in which Belgian military contingents took part by decision of the UN General Assembly. The award is divided into two classes: 1st class-for awarding for years of service. 2nd class-for awards for bravery, special services and selflessness. In some cases, this distinction could be awarded to foreigners. Each class has two degrees: 1st degree-for awarding officers and non-commissioned officers, 2nd degree-for awarding enlisted men.  Reverse: Same. In issues before 1952, the monogram of the reigning monarch was placed in the Central medallion. In this regard, there are 4 varieties of this insignia: 1 type-issue of Leopold II, in the medallion monogram of two Latin letters " L "and the Roman numeral" II"; 2 type – issue of king albert. The medallion has a monogram of the letter "A"; type 3 – issue of Leopold III, the medallion has a monogram of two Latin stylized letters" L "and the Roman numeral" III " between them; type 4 – issue of 1952, the medallion depicts a lion. Class 1 ribbon-40 mm wide, alternating three narrow stripes of national colors: red, yellow and black. Class 2 ribbon-red with black, yellow and red stripes along the edges (colors from the middle to the outside). On the ribbon of the sign of the 1st degree, a bronze gilded Chevron is attached in the form of an angle with the point up. Those awarded for bravery during the 1st and 2nd World wars wore a silver palm branch and a metal letter "a" (albert) or "L" (Leopold) on the ribbon. After 1954, these monograms were abolished.