Bronze Cross (Netherlands)

The Bronze Cross of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Dutch: "Het Bronzen Kruis") was instituted on 11 June 1940 by Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands while she was residing in London during the German occupation of the Netherlands. The Bronze Cross has precedence after the Resistance Star East Asia, but is the third highest military decoration still being awarded for bravery.

Bronze Cross
TypeMilitary award
Awarded forActs of courage and leadership in the face of the enemy.
DescriptionThe medal is a bronze cross pattée. A wreath consisting of tendrils of oak and laurel leaves is tied around the royal cypher.
The orange ribbon has a Nassau blue stripe in the center. Orange is the colour of the Queen, the head of the House of Orange, and blue is the heraldic colour of the ancestral house of Nassau.
Presented by Kingdom of the Netherlands
EligibilityMilitary Personnel, merchant navy and civilians in the resistance
Campaign(s)World War II and later campaigns
Claspsnone; if the cross is awarded again a large Arabic golden figure "2" or "3" is attached to the ribbon.
StatusCurrently awarded
First awarded11 June 1940
Last awardedOn 7 October 2009 to 1st Lt Alex Spanhak for his actions in Afghanistan
Total3,501
Total awarded posthumouslyPosthumous awards are possible
Ribbon bar of the Bronze Cross
Precedence
Next (higher)Resistance Star East Asia
Next (lower)Cross of Merit

Several British, American, Canadian and Polish soldiers are among the 3,501 recipients of the Bronze Cross that is awarded by Royal Decree.

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