Harlem Hellfighters back from WWI, wearing the Cross of War medals, 1919.
The Croix de guerre 1914–1918 (English: War Cross) is a French military decoration, the first version of the Croix de guerre. It was created to recognize French and allied soldiers who were cited for valorous service during World War I, similar to the German Iron Cross but with multiple degrees equivalent to other nations’ decorations for courage.