The French Croix de Guerre was established on 8 April 1915 to commemorate individual mentions in dispatches during WWI. The medal was again authorized, with changes indicated above, in 1939 for WWII.
During WWI and WWII, the French Croix de Guerre was awarded to both 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. The bronze palm indicates awarded by the Army; a silver gilt star by a corps; a silver star by a division; and bronze star by a regiment or brigade.
The French Fourragére is authorized for both permanent and temporary wear. Personnel assigned to a unit which was awarded the fourragére may wear the fourragére while assigned to the unit.