Romania WW2 Royal Cross for Medical Merit 3rd Class Bronze 1939-47 Original

Description

Original, Vintage
WW2 Romania
Royal Cross for Medical Merit, (Crucea Meritul Sanitar), sometimes called the Elisabeth Cross, 3rd Class, Full Size with Original Ribbon, Enamel of fine quality and intact;
Silvered bronze.This is an example from the period 1939-1947. A relatively scarce award in the 3rd Class.
Obverse: Deep red enamel and gilt bronze Greek cross with surrounding rays on royal crown suspension; with the silvered metal portrait of Queen Elisabeta facing left centrally imposed on the cross.
Reverse: inscribed ‘MERITUL SANITAR 1913’ below the monogram of King Carol I.
The award, instituted
by King Carol
on 26 November 1913
was prompted by the successful fight against a cholera epidemic during the Second Balkan War between Romania
and Bulgaria.
W
ater wells were contaminated in front of the advancing Romanian troops by Bulgarians throwing the corpses of men who had died of cholera into the wells.
The cross was intended for medical staff who displayed outstanding skill, courage and dedication in the fight.
The decoration continued to be awarded for Medical Merit until the fall of Monarchy in 1947. Awards from 1913-1938 had a
ribbon of cream-colored moir 6mm in width with 3mm wide red side stripes set in 2.5 mm from the edge.
Ribbons from 1939-1947 had
additional 3mm wide gold edges as shown in the photos.
From my personal collection.
The one pictured is the one you will receive.
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