History

The Military Cross was created as a single-grade award on February 11, 1885, but a second grade was later added on September 12, 1895. The I Class Cross is awarded to Officers for 25 years of uninterrupted service, and the II Class Cross is awarded to other ranks for 25 years of uninterrupted military service, including military training and volunteer service from the age of 16. The Military Cross may also be awarded to foreign or Reserve Officers, provided that the latter participate in yearly training exercises.

There are four different versions of the cross which differ in the reverse medallion. From 1885-1909, the medallion featured the cypher of Leopold II, from 1909-1934 the medallion featured the cypher of Albert I, from 1934-1951 the medallion featured the cypher of Leopold III, and since 1951 the medallion has featured a Belgian lion.