Spain – War Cross for Corporals and Soldiers (Cruz de Guerra para Cabos y Soldados)
Established: Law of March 14, 1942 – Reglamento de Recompensas del Ejército en Tiempo de Guerra
Period of Issue: 1942–1975
Dimensions: 44.11 x 38.39 mm
Condition: See detailed remarks and photographs below.
Description & Historical Context:
This medal was instituted during the rule of General Francisco Franco, designed to reward acts of valor and merit by corporals and enlisted soldiers during wartime. It forms part of Spain’s broader military decoration system that evolved during and after the Spanish Civil War.
The cross is made of oxidized silver with gilt (gold-finished) edging. It features four equal-length arms and a central gold crown, symbolizing royal authority or national sovereignty. Behind the cross are four gilded crossed swords, with only the hilts visible between the arms. It is suspended from a sky-blue ribbon with a central white stripe, approximately one-quarter the ribbon’s width, threaded through a standard gold-colored buckle.
Repeat awards were indicated by gold clasps on the ribbon engraved with the date of each additional conferment.
Condition Notes:
The medal includes the original ribbon, which shows signs of age and adhesive residue—likely from being mounted on a display board.
There is visible glue staining and a broken pin on the reverse, indicating the attachment system was previously tampered with or removed.
Please refer to the photographs for a complete visual reference of both the obverse and reverse, as well as the ribbon and clasp system.
Summary:
A genuine and historically significant Spanish military award from the Franco era. Its original components and period authenticity make it a collectible item, though its condition (notably the adhesive and broken pin) should be taken into account when assessing value.