The War Cross (or Cruz de Guerra in Spanish) was instituted by Presidential Decree on 25 July 1949 in three classes to be awarded to military in time of war or armed conflict for acts of bravery.
Cuauhtémoc was an early 16th Century Aztec ruler who fought heroically against the Spanish conquistadors and was tortured and then unjustly executed by Cortés. Today, Cuauhtémoc is revered in Mexico whilst the world has largely forgotten the victorious Cortés.
The War Cross Design
The medal is a gilt and deep red enamel cross pattée with concave stepped ends to the arms and a loop for ribbon suspension.
The obverse shows the gilt head of Cuauhtémoc in eagle war headdress imposed on a circular central deep red enamel medallion within a gilt ring inscribed in red letters ‘CRUZ DE GUERRA PRIMERA CLASE’ (War Cross First Class). The reverse is plain, with a ribbon with laurel-decorated gilt top bar mounted for wear.
