WW2 SPAIN WAR/MILITARY CROSS STAR MEDAL WITH PALMS FOR SENIOR OFFICERS

62mm wide rayed, faceted eight-pointed silver star; the face with a silver-gilt cross clechée with stippled arms, with laurel leaves between the arms, imposed centrally on crossed swords, a crowned silver band on the upper arm, the silver lion of Léon on each of the lateral arms, the tower of Castile on the lower arm, a circular central medallion in red, white and blue enamel and silver gilt bearing an escutcheon quarterly of Castile and Léon with Granada overall within a red enamel ring inscribed in gilt letters ‘AL MERITO EN CAMPAÑA’ (For Merit in the Field), gilt palms to either side; the reverse plain with pins for wear; age-toned; this being a lovely wartime example.

The War Cross was instituted on 26 January 1937 and amended in 1942. It was a direct descendant of the Military Order of María Cristina created for the Queen Regent in 1890 and intended to reward military bravery. This breast star was awarded to high-ranking field officers (jefes). A superb example.