History

The Alsen Cross was founded by King Wilhelm I to commemorate the Prussian victory at the Battle of Alsen on June 29, 1854.

It was conferred upon combatants, non-combatants, reserve troops, doctors, and clergy.

The ribbon colour and pattern changed according to the recipient's role.

The cross for combatants features a ribbon with a thick blue centre section framed by two yellow stripes, and with white and black stripes along the exterior edges.

The cross for non-combatants features a yellow ribbon with a thin blue centre stripe and two thin white stripes, with one thin black stripe along the exterior edges.

The cross for reserve troops features a blue ribbon with one black stripe, one yellow stripe, and two white stripes along the exterior edges.

The cross for doctors and clergy features a white ribbon with three black stripes.