Cross of Merit (Netherlands)
Cross of Merit | |
---|---|
Military award | |
Awarded for | Those working in the interest of the Netherlands while faced with enemy actions and distinguishing oneself through valor and resolute behavior |
Presented by | Kingdom of the Netherlands |
Status | Currently awarded |
Established | 20 February 1941 |
Total | 2,099 |
Precedence | |
Next (higher) | Bronze Cross |
Next (lower) | Airman's Cross |
On 20 February 1941, the Dutch government in exile in London instituted several new awards for bravery. The new way that wars were fought, with civilian resistance and the merchant navy in great peril, made this necessary. Amongst the new decorations was the "Cross of Merit", (Dutch: Kruis van Verdienste) an award for "working in the interest of the Netherlands while faced with enemy actions and distinguishing oneself through valor and resolute behavior". One did not have to be on the front line to win this award.
The cross has often been awarded to those who managed to flee to England and to the armed resistance. It was rarely awarded after the
In case of repeated awards a large "2" or "3" is pinned to the ribbon.
The Cross of Merit is the fourth-highest military decoration still being awarded for bravery and has precedence after the Bronze Cross.
References
External links
- The Cross of Merit - Official site of the Chancellery of the Netherlands Orders (in English)
- Vereniging DMD - Website of the organization of veterans with the Cross of Merit (in Dutch)