The Belgian Croix de Guerre was established in 1915 to recognize acts of heroism performed by individuals or by units and was awarded for the period 1914-1918. The medal was again authorized with changes indicated above in 1941 for WWII.
During WWI, the Belgian Croix de Guerre was awarded to individuals only. During WWII, it was awarded to U.S. Army units and to individuals. The Croix de Guerre may be awarded at different levels of command. The level of the awarding command determines the appurtenance worn on the ribbon. A bronze palm indicates awarded by the Army; a bronze lion awarded by a regiment; and a gold lion by the land forces.
The Belgian fourragre may be awarded by the Belgian Government if a unit was cited twice in the order of the day. Award of the fourragre is not automatic and requires a specific decree of the Belgian Government. The fourragre is the same colors as the ribbon for the Croix de Guerre. A streamer is displayed on the organizational flag/guidon to indicate award of the Croix de Guerre. The streamer is the same color and pattern as the ribbon for the medal. Army units may display the Croix de Guerre on ceremonial occasions by pinning it on the streamer. In addition, the fourragre may be displayed on the guidon for ceremonial occasions as shown in Chapter 9, Army Regulation (AR) 840-10.
The Belgian Fourragre is authorized for permanent wear only. Personnel temporarily assigned to a unit which was awarded the fourragre may not wear the fourragre.