France

Established in April 1915 to reward soldiers cited for bravery and merit in combat. The following reverses exist: "1914-1915", "1914-1916", "1914-1917" and "1914-1918". Devices on the ribbon represent the level of command at which the soldier was cited and multiple awards are represented by extra devices. The devices are the bronze palm (Army), gold star (army corps), silver star (division) and bronze star (brigade/regiment).

The Croix de Guerre was reestablished in September 1939. The following reverses exist: "1939" and "1939-1945". Devices on the ribbon are the same as for the Croix de Guerre 1914-1918.

The Croix de Guerre T.O.E. was established in April 1921 and awarded until May 1992. It was intended for operations outside of France. Devices on the ribbon are the same as for the Croix de Guerre 1914-1918 and 1939-1945.

The Croix de la Valeur Militaire (CVM) was established in April 1956 to fill a gap in the French awards system. There was no official war for which a special Croix de Guerre was authorized (as in the two World Wars) and the Croix de Guerre T.O.E. could only be awarded for operations outside of France. Since French North Africa was considered part of France, the Croix de Guerre T.O.E. could not be awarded for operations there. Initially, awards of the CVM were for Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and Mauritania. Awards of the CVM were later authorized for other operations, including those in the former Yugoslavia, Chad and the Central African Republic. Devices on the ribbon are the same as for the Croix de Guerre.

The Croix du Combattant was created in 1930 and is awarded to veterans who hold the carte du Combattant (combatant's card).