Original Spanish Civil War - World War Two Spanish War Cross or Cruz de Guerra - Red Lion Variant.
Vaulted eight-pointed star, overlaid by a gilded cross with its arms joined together through the quadrants by a circular laurel leaf wreath and with crossed swords piercing the centerpiece, overlaid by a central enameled medallion bearing the coat of arms of Castile and León, with the lions executed in red enamel, within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “AL MERITO EN CAMPAÑA”, with a raised barrel hinge and elaborate vertical pin back meeting a rounded catch, unmarked. Oxidation on the reverse.
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 in the Spanish Civil War. It was awarded to all the branches of the Spanish Army who, in combat, rendered extraordinary and effective services to the nationalist cause. Currently, the Order consists of a single grade, the War Cross medal, and it is awarded to Spanish military personnel rewarding great and heroic deeds and the display of merit within dangerous campaigns.
