| The Cross of Merit, created in 1941, is conferred on Dutch citizens and foreign nationals who have distinguished themselves in relation to enemy action and in the interest of the Dutch State through action characterised by bravery and leadership. Hence, direct confrontation with the enemy is not a prerequisite for this Cross. Decoration nominations for the Cross of Merit are assessed by the Bravery Decorations Commission of the Ministry of Defence. The minister of Defence makes the recommendation to the head of state, who ratifies the appointment in a Royal decree.
Some 2083 people have received the Cross of Merit since 1941.
Design: a four-armed bronze cross, attached to a 37 millimetres wide ribbon in 'Nassau blue', with a 6 millimetre wide vertical orange stripe in the middle. People who have already been awarded the Cross of Merit and who subsequently receive the decoration again for similar action wear the number '2' in gold on the ribbon of the Cross of Merit. For the next similar action, the number is increased to '3' and so on. |
|
The Cross of Merit |
|
