Croatian Awards

    Croatian Military Awards

    The Croatian awards shown below were awarded to members of the Croatian Armed Forces, the Ustase and to German Nationals.

    The Order of the Iron Trefoil

    Croatian Cross Croatian Cross

    The Order of the Iron Trefoil is the highest Croatian award that was rendered to members of the Croatian armed forces and their axis partners.
    Instituted in November 1941 in four classes, shown above is a worn 4th class cross: a black Trefoil cross with silver outlined, attached in the center is the Croatian national coat-of-arms.
    On the reverse is the inscription "Za Dom Spremni (Ready to defend the Fatherland) and the date the state was founded, 10.IV.1941.
    The triangular ribbon in red color with white edges was the same for all classes. For outstanding acts of bravery a special war decoration of green oak leaves was added to the cross.
    Pavelic hoped that the Iron Trefoil would become the Iron Cross of Croatia.

    The Order of the Crown King Zvonimir

    The Order of the Crown King Zvonimir (named after an 11th century King of Croatia) is the second highest award. The order was instituted in the shape of a Trefoil on 15 May 1941 and came in various classes. In addition, for military action crossed swords were added and for bravery in the field a wreath of green enamel oak leaves.

    On 27 December 1941, The Order of Merit was issued in medal form and instituted in three classes: Silver, Bronze and Iron.
    For meritorious service at the front a small gilt metal oak wreath was attached on the ribbon.


    Croatian Cross Croatian Cross

    3rd Class Order of the Crown King Zvonimir

    The Award shown is a 3rd class white enamel Trefoil with crossed swords. The edges, braids in the leaves, crown, and swords are outlined in gilt. The reverse in the center shows the motto "BOG I HRVATI" (GOD AND THE CROATS). On top is the date 1076, which was the coronation date of King Zvonimir and below the date "1941."

    Silver Bravery Medal

    Croatian Silver Brave Croatian Silver Brave

    The Croatian Bravery medal was instituted in December 1941. This award comes in four types: bronze medal, small and large silver medal and gold medal. The small medal was given to next-of-kin of fallen NCOs and enlisted men. The large medals were awarded for bravery in the field. The large silver medal in the center shows the portrait of Ante Pavelic. The reverse has the Ustase emblem with the inscription "ZA DOM SPREMNI" (READY TO DEFEND THE FATHERLAND) and "ZA HRABROST" (FOR BRAVERY). The ribbon is red with white stripes on each side. More than one class could be worn at a time.

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