History

The War Cross (1940-1945) was established by Grand Duchess Charlotte on April 17, 1945. It was awarded to personnel of the Luxembourgian Armed Forces for outstanding service in the Second World War, as well as to Luxembourgian civilians and foreigners for service in paramilitary organisations. This award is considered one of the rarest foreign decorations bestowed on allied troops, as very few physical conflicts took place on Luxembourg's soil.

The bronze palm clasp was awarded for a citation at the battalion level, the silver palm clasp for a citation at the Army level, and the gilt palm clasp for a citation from the Minister of the Armed Forces. A small star clasp was awarded in recognition of wounds incurred in combat.