Spain, Franco Period. A War Cross, Officer Cross c.1943

(Cruz de Guerra). Instituted 1937. Franco Period (1938-1975). Type II (1942-1975). An eight-pointed faceted star in bronze, with superposed four-armed cross in silver gilt featuring four crossed sword and a laurel wreath between the arms both in silver gilt, obverse center medallion also in silver gilt depicting a blue, red, and white enamelled Spanish Coat of Arms surrounded by the inscription “Al Mérito en Campaña” (For Campaign Merit), reverse with typical of period pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 69.15 mm (w) x 68.95 mm (h), with loss of gilt and toned silver, better than fine.

Footnote: The War Cross was established in Spain after the end of the Civil War, by General Francisco Franco on January 26, 1938. The Cross was founded to reward the nationalist military personnel who defeated republican forces in the Spanish Civil War. It was awarded to all the branches of the Spanish Army who, in combat, rendered extraordinary and effective services to the nationalist cause. Currently, the Order consists of a single grade, the War Cross medal, and it is awarded to Spanish military personnel rewarding great and heroic deeds and the display of merit within dangerous campaigns.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.