Fourragère
Encyclopedia
The fourragère is a military award, distinguishing military units as a whole, that is shaped as a braided cord. The award has been firstly adopted by France
, followed by other nations such as the Netherlands
, Belgium
and Portugal
.
which was introduced by Napoleon I
and which it closely resembles.
The modern fourragère of the French Army is awarded to all members of military units which have been awarded a mention in despatches. It should not be confused with unit awards of particular decorations, where the medal itself is hung on the flag of the unit. For example, there are many units wearing the fourragère of the médaille militaire
, whereas only six units wore the medal on their flags. See also the article dealing with the Croix de guerre
.
During the First World War
, the French Ministry of War first awarded the fourragère to units which had been recorded as distinguishing themselves more than once in the Orders of the Army. There were then six fourragères, depending on the numbers of Mentions in Dispatches awarded to the unit:
If a unit received this distinction in both the First and Second World Wars, its fourragère bears two olives, one for each conflict it earned mentions. These olives are different:
During the Second World War
, the medal of the Ordre de la Libération
was awarded to the flags of 17 military units, whose members now wear a fourragère since June 18, 1996. This fourragère is considered the top unit award in the French military, as the ordre de la Libération award is seen to be more important than any mention in Dispatches.
Certain French military units wear combinations of fourragères, if they were mentioned in Orders in both one of the World War and an overseas (colonial) war. For example, the famous Foreign Legion
regiment the 3rd Foreign Infantry
wears a double fourragère red and green with red stripes (9 mentions during World War I), with an olive red with green stripes (3 mentions during World War II) and a fourragère yellow with green stripes, with an olive red and blue (5 mentions during Overseas Wars).
Fourragères used by the French Foreign Legion are:
. The Order's motto is Voor Moed, Beleid en Trouw (For Bravery, Leadership
and Loyalty
). The chivalric order
was established on 30 April 1815 by King William I
and was presented for feats of excellent bravery on the battlefield and as a meritorious decoration to senior military officers. Comparable with the French Légion d’Honneur but far less awarded, the Military William Order is a chivalry order of merit open to everyone regardless of rank and nobility, and not only to Dutch military but also foreigners. To date the Order is extremely rarely awarded and only for excellent bravery in battle.
The unit's Regimental Colour
are decorated with the badge of the 4th Class itself, which hangs from the finial
of the pike. The version of the Military William Order for unit members is known as the Orange Lanyard. Only those who served in a military unit at the particular time of action are entitled to wear the Orange Lanyard. The Orange Lanyard
is worn as a cord around the right shoulder and can be worn simultaneously with the French
or Belgian
Fourragère of the Croix de guerre
. The Orange Lanyard is considered a permanent decoration and is worn for the duration of a military member's career.
, Regent of the Kingdom to honour certain military formations that distinguished themselves during the Second World War. It consists of three cords terminated by a knot and a metal tag, and is braided in red and green; the colours of the Belgian Croix de Guerre of 1940. The fourragère is in cotton
for non-commissioned officers and soldiers and in silk
for officers.
(solid blue).
is the equivalent of the French Croix de Guerre. It was created by Decree No 74-b/Qt dated 15 August 1950 and Decree No 96/DQT/HC dated 2 May 1952. Both individuals (denoted by a star) and formations (denoted by a palm) cited for gallantry were awarded the decoration. Formations that were awarded the Gallantry Cross for two or more occasions were initially authorised to wear a fourragère.
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, followed by other nations such as the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
and Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
.
History
As a regimental distinction the fourragère should not be confused with the aiguilletteAiguillette
An aiguillette is an ornamental braided cord most often worn on uniforms, but may also be observed on other costumes such as academic dress, where it will denote an honour. Originally, the word "aiguillette" referred to the lacing used to fasten plate armor together...
which was introduced by Napoleon I
Napoleon I of France
Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader during the latter stages of the French Revolution.As Napoleon I, he was Emperor of the French from 1804 to 1815...
and which it closely resembles.
The modern fourragère of the French Army is awarded to all members of military units which have been awarded a mention in despatches. It should not be confused with unit awards of particular decorations, where the medal itself is hung on the flag of the unit. For example, there are many units wearing the fourragère of the médaille militaire
Médaille militaire
The Médaille militaire is a decoration of the French Republic which was first instituted in 1852.-History:The creator of the médaille was the emperor Napoléon III, who may have taken his inspiration in a medal issued by his father, Louis Bonaparte, King of Holland...
, whereas only six units wore the medal on their flags. See also the article dealing with the Croix de guerre
Croix de guerre
The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...
.
During the First World War
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, the French Ministry of War first awarded the fourragère to units which had been recorded as distinguishing themselves more than once in the Orders of the Army. There were then six fourragères, depending on the numbers of Mentions in Dispatches awarded to the unit:
| Numbers of mentions | First and Second World Wars | Overseas Wars |
|---|---|---|
| 9,10 or 11 | Double, red (color of the légion d'honneur Légion d'honneur The Legion of Honour, or in full the National Order of the Legion of Honour is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul of the Consulat which succeeded to the First Republic, on 19 May 1802... ) and green with red stripes (colors of the croix de guerre 14-18 Croix de guerre The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts... ) |
not awarded |
| 6, 7 or 8 | Simple, red (color of the légion d'honneur Légion d'honneur The Legion of Honour, or in full the National Order of the Legion of Honour is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul of the Consulat which succeeded to the First Republic, on 19 May 1802... ) |
Simple, red, with an olive red and blue (colors of the croix de guerre Overseas Croix de guerre The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts... ) |
| 4 or 5 | Simple, yellow with green stripes (colors of the médaille militaire Médaille militaire The Médaille militaire is a decoration of the French Republic which was first instituted in 1852.-History:The creator of the médaille was the emperor Napoléon III, who may have taken his inspiration in a medal issued by his father, Louis Bonaparte, King of Holland... ) |
Simple, yellow with green stripes, with an olive red and blue |
| 2 or 3 | Simple, green with red stripes (colors of the croix de guerre 14-18 Croix de guerre The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts... ) |
Simple, red and blue |
If a unit received this distinction in both the First and Second World Wars, its fourragère bears two olives, one for each conflict it earned mentions. These olives are different:
| numbers of mentions | First World War | Second World War |
|---|---|---|
| 9, 10 or 11 | half-red and half-green with red stripes, the two halves separated by a white ring | not awarded |
| 6, 7 or 8 | half-red and half-green with red stripes | not awarded |
| 4 or 5 | half-yellow with green stripes and half-green with red stripes | half-yellow with green stripes and half-red with green stripes |
| 2 or 3 | green with red stripes | red with green stripes |
During the Second World War
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the medal of the Ordre de la Libération
Ordre de la Libération
The Ordre de la Libération is a French Order awarded to heroes of the Liberation of France during World War II. It is an exceptional honor, the second highest after the Légion d’Honneur and only a small number of people and military units have received it, exclusively for deeds accomplished...
was awarded to the flags of 17 military units, whose members now wear a fourragère since June 18, 1996. This fourragère is considered the top unit award in the French military, as the ordre de la Libération award is seen to be more important than any mention in Dispatches.
Certain French military units wear combinations of fourragères, if they were mentioned in Orders in both one of the World War and an overseas (colonial) war. For example, the famous Foreign Legion
French Foreign Legion
The French Foreign Legion is a unique military service wing of the French Army established in 1831. The foreign legion was exclusively created for foreign nationals willing to serve in the French Armed Forces...
regiment the 3rd Foreign Infantry
3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment
The 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment is an infantry regiment in the French Foreign Legion. The regiment is stationed in French Guiana, protecting the Centre Spatial Guyanais.-World War I:...
wears a double fourragère red and green with red stripes (9 mentions during World War I), with an olive red with green stripes (3 mentions during World War II) and a fourragère yellow with green stripes, with an olive red and blue (5 mentions during Overseas Wars).
Fourragères used by the French Foreign Legion are:
- 2e REI (2nd Foreign Legion Infantry) - Croix de Guerre des TOE
- 2e REP (2nd Foreign Legion Paratroops) - Légion d'Honneur
- 1er REC (1st Foreign Legion Cavalry) - Croix de Guerre (World War II); Médaille Militaire
- 3e REI (3rd Foreign Legion Infantry) - Légion d'Honneur, Médaille Militaire, Croix de Guerre
- 13e DBLE (13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade) - Ordre de la Libération
Personal wear of the fourragère
The fourragère is normally worn by members of a unit awarded the decoration. When they leave the unit, they have to relinquish the fourragère. However members who took part personally in the actions leading to the award of the fourragère can continue to wear the fourragère, even after leaving the unit. They can only wear a fourragère corresponding to the number of actions they actually took part in. Thus, if a member of a 5-mentions regiment leaves but took part in only two mentioned actions, he can only wear the croix de guerre fourragère and not the médaille militaire fourragère.American Units awarded the fourragère
- The 5th Marine RegimentU.S. 5th Marine RegimentThe 5th Marine Regiment is an infantry regiment of the United States Marine Corps based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. It is the most highly decorated regiment in the Marine Corps and falls under the command of the 1st Marine Division and the I Marine Expeditionary Force...
and the 6th Marine RegimentU.S. 6th Marine RegimentThe 6th Marine Regiment is an infantry regiment of the United States Marine Corps based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The regiment falls under the command of the 2nd Marine Division of the II Marine Expeditionary Force. the 6th Marines combat history dates back to World War I...
of the United States Marine CorpsUnited States Marine CorpsThe United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
were awarded the fourragère for having earned the Croix de Guerre with palm leaf three times during World War IWorld War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. - The 23rd Infantry Regiment23rd Infantry Regiment (United States)The 23rd Infantry Regiment is an infantry regiment in the United States Army originally formed on June 26th 1812. The 23rd saw action in 14 battles during the War of 1812...
, Second Division, U.S. A.E.F., was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with Palm three times, and awarded the French fourragère for service during World War I campaigns at Chateau Thierry, Aisne-Marne, and Meuse-Argonne. In addition, because several U.S. soldiers were present in front-line action during each battle for which the 23rd Infantry was awarded the Croix de Guerre, the French Government and U.S. Army Adjutant General allowed these soldiers to wear the fourragère as an individual decoration regardless of future unit assignment—a very rare honor. In total, 434 A.E.F. officers and men were certified to wear the French fourragère as an individual decoration, per the Final Report of the Secretary of War, 1922. - During World War I, the 5th S.S.U. was awarded the fourragère aux couleurs du ruban de la médaille militaire.
- During World War II, the Second Armored Division as well as the 16th, 18thU.S. 18th Infantry RegimentThe 18th Infantry Regiment The 18th Infantry Regiment The 18th Infantry Regiment ("Vanguards" is a light infantry regiment. The 18th Infantry Regiment currently exists as two separate battalions under the U.S...
and 26th Infantry RegimentsU.S. 26th Infantry RegimentThe 26th Infantry Regiment is a regiment of the United States Army. Its nickname is Blue Spaders, taken from the spade-like device on the regiment's distinctive unit insignia. The 26th Infantry Regiment is part of the U.S...
U.S., the 5th5th Field Artillery Regiment (United States)The 5th Field Artillery Regiment was constituted as part of the Regular Army in January 1907. Individual battalions have lineages that date back further.-Distinctive Unit Insignia:*Description...
and 7th Field Artillery Battalions7th Field Artillery Regiment (United States)The 7th Field Artillery Regiment is a United States Army field artillery regiment, whose lineage traces back to the early 20th century.-World War I:...
U.S., the 1st Engineer Battalion1st Engineer BattalionThe 1st Engineer Battalion is one of the oldest and most decorated engineer battalions in the United States Army.-19th century:The battalion's history can be traced back to 15 May 1846 when a company of Miners, Sappers, and Pontoniers was formed at West Point, New York. Alpha Company, 1st Engineer...
U.S. and the 1st Signal Company U.S. were awarded the fourragère aux couleurs du ruban de la médaille militaire. - 17 French military units wear the fourragère of the Ordre de la LibérationOrdre de la LibérationThe Ordre de la Libération is a French Order awarded to heroes of the Liberation of France during World War II. It is an exceptional honor, the second highest after the Légion d’Honneur and only a small number of people and military units have received it, exclusively for deeds accomplished...
(see article for the list). - U.S. 370th Infantry Regiment370th Infantry Regiment (United States)The 370th Infantry Regiment was the designation for one of the infantry regiments of the 93rd Infantry Division.-8th Infantry Regiment, Illinois National Guard:This was an all-black militia regiment founded in the 1870s....
(World War I) http://afrigeneas.com/forum-military/index.cgi?noframes;read=2494 - BEF Units of World War I
- U.S. 82nd Airborne DivisionU.S. 82nd Airborne DivisionThe 82nd Airborne Division is an active airborne infantry division of the United States Army specializing in parachute landing operations. Based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the 82nd Airborne Division is the primary fighting arm of the XVIII Airborne Corps....
during the battle of NormandyOperation OverlordOperation Overlord was the code name for the Battle of Normandy, the operation that launched the invasion of German-occupied western Europe during World War II by Allied forces. The operation commenced on 6 June 1944 with the Normandy landings...
in June 1944. - The U.S. Third Infantry Division (Marne Division) was awarded the Fourragere aux couleurs de la Croix de guerre for service to France in WW I.
- The U.S. 79th Infantry Division was awarded the Fourragere aux couleurs de la Croix de guerre for its actions in helping liberate Paris from June 1944 through 27 August 1944 and helping liberate Baccaret, Phalsbourg and Saverne from 21-24 November 1944.
- The 12th Field Artillery Regiment12th Field Artillery Regiment (United States)The 12th Field Artillery Regiment is a unit of the United States Army.- Description and Symbolism :The unit's insignia is gold color metal and enamel device 1 inch in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Gules, a Fleur-de-lis Argent crowned Or; on a canton of the like an Aztec...
was awarded the French Croix de Guerre in World War I and the Belgian Fourragere in World War II. - The 104th Infantry Regiment was awarded the French Croix de Guerre in World War I and World War II.
World War I
| Unit | Service | Year awarded | Campaign or battle | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th Marines U.S. 5th Marine Regiment The 5th Marine Regiment is an infantry regiment of the United States Marine Corps based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. It is the most highly decorated regiment in the Marine Corps and falls under the command of the 1st Marine Division and the I Marine Expeditionary Force... 6th Marines U.S. 6th Marine Regiment The 6th Marine Regiment is an infantry regiment of the United States Marine Corps based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The regiment falls under the command of the 2nd Marine Division of the II Marine Expeditionary Force. the 6th Marines combat history dates back to World War I... |
US Marines | 1918 | Battle of Belleau Wood Battle of Belleau Wood The Battle of Belleau Wood occurred during the German 1918 Spring Offensive in World War I, near the Marne River in France. The battle was fought between the U.S... , Western Front Western Front (World War I) Following the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by first invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The tide of the advance was dramatically turned with the Battle of the Marne... |
Awarded the Fourragère aux couleurs de la Croix de guerre with palm leaf three times |
| 23rd Infantry Regiment 23rd Infantry Regiment (United States) The 23rd Infantry Regiment is an infantry regiment in the United States Army originally formed on June 26th 1812. The 23rd saw action in 14 battles during the War of 1812... , 2nd Division |
US Army | 1918 | Chateau Thierry Battle of Château-Thierry (1918) The Battle of Château-Thierry was fought on 18 July 1918 and was one of the first actions of the American Expeditionary Force under General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing... , Aisne-Marne Second Battle of the Marne The Second Battle of the Marne , or Battle of Reims was the last major German Spring Offensive on the Western Front during the First World War. The German attack failed when an Allied counterattack led by France overwhelmed the Germans, inflicting severe casualties... , and Meuse-Argonne Meuse-Argonne Offensive The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, or Maas-Argonne Offensive, also called the Battle of the Argonne Forest, was a part of the final Allied offensive of World War I that stretched along the entire western front.-Overview:... |
434 officers and men were certified to wear the French fourragère as an individual decoration, per the Final Report of the Secretary of War, 1922 |
| 370th Infantry Regiment 370th Infantry Regiment (United States) The 370th Infantry Regiment was the designation for one of the infantry regiments of the 93rd Infantry Division.-8th Infantry Regiment, Illinois National Guard:This was an all-black militia regiment founded in the 1870s.... , 93rd Infantry Division |
US Army | 1918 | Third Battle of the Aisne Third Battle of the Aisne The Third Battle of the Aisne was a battle of the German Spring Offensive during World War I that focused on capturing the Chemin des Dames Ridge before the American Expeditionary Force could arrive completely in France. It was one of a series of desperate offensives, known as the Kaiserschlacht,... , Western Front Western Front (World War I) Following the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by first invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The tide of the advance was dramatically turned with the Battle of the Marne... |
|
| 3rd Division | US Army | 1918 | Western Front Western Front (World War I) Following the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by first invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The tide of the advance was dramatically turned with the Battle of the Marne... |
Awarded the Fourragère aux couleurs de la Croix de guerre |
World War II
| Unit | Service | Year awarded | Campaign or battle | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Armored Division | U.S. Army | 1944 | Normandy | Awarded the Fourragère aux couleurs du ruban de la médaille militaire |
| 16th Infantry 16th Infantry Regiment (United States) The 16th Infantry Regiment is a regiment in the United States Army.-Formation:The 34th Infantry Regiment and 11th Infantry Regiment consolidated into the 16th Infantry Regiment on 3 March 1869. The 11th Infantry's history prior to the consolidation is normally included with the 16th's.-U.S... , 18th Infantry 26th Infantry, 5th Field Artillery 5th Field Artillery Regiment (United States) The 5th Field Artillery Regiment was constituted as part of the Regular Army in January 1907. Individual battalions have lineages that date back further.-Distinctive Unit Insignia:*Description... , 7th Field Artillery Battalion 7th Field Artillery Regiment (United States) The 7th Field Artillery Regiment is a United States Army field artillery regiment, whose lineage traces back to the early 20th century.-World War I:... , 1st Engineer Battalion 1st Engineer Battalion The 1st Engineer Battalion is one of the oldest and most decorated engineer battalions in the United States Army.-19th century:The battalion's history can be traced back to 15 May 1846 when a company of Miners, Sappers, and Pontoniers was formed at West Point, New York. Alpha Company, 1st Engineer... , 1st Signal Company, all of the 1st Infantry Division |
U.S. Army | 1944 | Normandy | Awarded the Fourragère aux couleurs du ruban de la médaille militaire |
| Division and 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division |
U.S. Army | 1944 | Normandy | Also awarded the Order of William Order of William The Military William Order, or often named Military Order of William , is the oldest and highest honour of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Order's motto is Voor Moed, Beleid en Trouw... by the Kingdom of the Netherlands Kingdom of the Netherlands The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a sovereign state and constitutional monarchy with territory in Western Europe and in the Caribbean. The four parts of the Kingdom—Aruba, Curaçao, the Netherlands, and Sint Maarten—are referred to as "countries", and participate on a basis of equality... for gallantry during Operation Market Garden Operation Market Garden Operation Market Garden was an unsuccessful Allied military operation, fought in the Netherlands and Germany in the Second World War. It was the largest airborne operation up to that time.... in 1944 |
| 79th Infantry Division | U.S. Army | 1944 | Operation Overlord Operation Overlord Operation Overlord was the code name for the Battle of Normandy, the operation that launched the invasion of German-occupied western Europe during World War II by Allied forces. The operation commenced on 6 June 1944 with the Normandy landings... |
Awarded the Fourragère aux couleurs de la Croix de guerre |
| 12th Field Artillery Battalion 12th Field Artillery Regiment (United States) The 12th Field Artillery Regiment is a unit of the United States Army.- Description and Symbolism :The unit's insignia is gold color metal and enamel device 1 inch in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Gules, a Fleur-de-lis Argent crowned Or; on a canton of the like an Aztec... , 2nd Infantry Division |
U.S. Army | 1944 | Elsenborn Ridge Elsenborn Ridge The Elsenborn Ridge is a ridge line east of the town of Elsenborn, Belgium in the Ardennes forest that was the blocking line on the northern shoulder of the Battle of the Bulge. Their area was the main line of advance for Hitler's prized 12th SS Hitlerjugend. Units of V Corps of the First U.S... |
Belgian Fourragère |
| 478th Amphibious Truck Company Non Divisional | U.S. Army | 1944 | Operation Overlord Operation Overlord Operation Overlord was the code name for the Battle of Normandy, the operation that launched the invasion of German-occupied western Europe during World War II by Allied forces. The operation commenced on 6 June 1944 with the Normandy landings... |
Awarded the Fourragère aux couleurs de la Croix de guerre |
| 26th (Yankee) Infantry Division | U.S. Army | 1944 | Hindenburg Line Hindenburg Line The Hindenburg Line was a vast system of defences in northeastern France during World War I. It was constructed by the Germans during the winter of 1916–17. The line stretched from Lens to beyond Verdun... |
awarded the Fourragère aux couleurs de la Croix de guerre |
Dutch Orange Lanyard
The Military William Order, or often named Military Order of William, is the oldest and highest honour of the Kingdom of the NetherlandsKingdom of the Netherlands
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a sovereign state and constitutional monarchy with territory in Western Europe and in the Caribbean. The four parts of the Kingdom—Aruba, Curaçao, the Netherlands, and Sint Maarten—are referred to as "countries", and participate on a basis of equality...
. The Order's motto is Voor Moed, Beleid en Trouw (For Bravery, Leadership
Leadership
Leadership has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task". Other in-depth definitions of leadership have also emerged.-Theories:...
and Loyalty
Loyalty
Loyalty is faithfulness or a devotion to a person, country, group, or cause There are many aspects to...
). The chivalric order
Order (decoration)
An order or order of merit is a visible honour, awarded by a government, dynastic house or international organization to an individual, usually in recognition of distinguished service to a nation or to humanity. The distinction between orders and decorations is somewhat vague, except that most...
was established on 30 April 1815 by King William I
William I of the Netherlands
William I Frederick, born Willem Frederik Prins van Oranje-Nassau , was a Prince of Orange and the first King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg....
and was presented for feats of excellent bravery on the battlefield and as a meritorious decoration to senior military officers. Comparable with the French Légion d’Honneur but far less awarded, the Military William Order is a chivalry order of merit open to everyone regardless of rank and nobility, and not only to Dutch military but also foreigners. To date the Order is extremely rarely awarded and only for excellent bravery in battle.
The unit's Regimental Colour
Colours, standards and guidons
In military organizations, the practice of carrying colours, standards or Guidons, both to act as a rallying point for troops and to mark the location of the commander, is thought to have originated in Ancient Egypt some 5,000 years ago...
are decorated with the badge of the 4th Class itself, which hangs from the finial
Colours, standards and guidons
In military organizations, the practice of carrying colours, standards or Guidons, both to act as a rallying point for troops and to mark the location of the commander, is thought to have originated in Ancient Egypt some 5,000 years ago...
of the pike. The version of the Military William Order for unit members is known as the Orange Lanyard. Only those who served in a military unit at the particular time of action are entitled to wear the Orange Lanyard. The Orange Lanyard
Lanyard
A lanyard is a rope or cord exclusively worn around the neck or wrist to carry something. Usually it is used where there is a risk of losing the object or to ensure it is visible at all times. Aboard a ship, it may refer to a piece of rigging used to secure objects...
is worn as a cord around the right shoulder and can be worn simultaneously with the French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
or Belgian
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
Fourragère of the Croix de guerre
Croix de guerre
The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...
. The Orange Lanyard is considered a permanent decoration and is worn for the duration of a military member's career.
Belgian fourragère
The Belgian fourragère of 1940 was created by Prince Charles of BelgiumPrince Charles of Belgium
Prince Charles, Count of Flanders, Prince of Belgium was the second son of Albert I, King of the Belgians and Duchess Elisabeth in Bavaria. Born in Brussels, he served in lieu of his older brother King Leopold III from 1944 until 1950 as Prince Regent until Leopold could return to Belgium and...
, Regent of the Kingdom to honour certain military formations that distinguished themselves during the Second World War. It consists of three cords terminated by a knot and a metal tag, and is braided in red and green; the colours of the Belgian Croix de Guerre of 1940. The fourragère is in cotton
Cotton
Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants of the genus Gossypium. The fiber is almost pure cellulose. The botanical purpose of cotton fiber is to aid in seed dispersal....
for non-commissioned officers and soldiers and in silk
Silk
Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The best-known type of silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori reared in captivity...
for officers.
Portuguese fourragères
Portugal has three fourragères: the War Cross (red and blue), the Medal of Military Valour (blue and white) and the Order of the Tower and SwordOrder of the Tower and Sword
The Military Order of the Tower and of the Sword, of Valour, Loyalty and Merit is a Portuguese order of knighthood and the pinnacle of the Portuguese honours system. It was created by King Afonso V in 1459....
(solid blue).
South Vietnamese fourragère
The Vietnam Gallantry CrossVietnam Gallantry Cross
The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasestablished in August 1950. Also known as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Gallantry Cross was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an...
is the equivalent of the French Croix de Guerre. It was created by Decree No 74-b/Qt dated 15 August 1950 and Decree No 96/DQT/HC dated 2 May 1952. Both individuals (denoted by a star) and formations (denoted by a palm) cited for gallantry were awarded the decoration. Formations that were awarded the Gallantry Cross for two or more occasions were initially authorised to wear a fourragère.