Bronze Lion
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Bronze Lion (Dutch: Bronzen Leeuw) is a Royal Dutch award, intended for servicemen who have shown extreme bravery and leadership in battle favouring The Netherlands; in some special cases it can however be awarded to Dutch or foreign civilians. It was first created in 1944 and has since been issued 1210 times.
Proposals for an award are reviewed by the Dutch Board for Bravery Awards, which is part of the ministry of Defence. If awarded they are enforced by a Royal Decree.
The Bronze Lion is a cross in bronze, covered by a round shield. On the front is a relief of the crowned Dutch Lion. The cross is attached to a 37 millimetre wide ribbon, divided into nine equal vertical stripes, alternately orange and 'Nassau blue', the strips on either edge are Nassau blue. It is possible that a single person receive more than one award of the Bronze Lion. They will receive a number '2' in gold on the ribbon of the Bronze Lion.
On Wednesday 31 May 2006, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands posthumously awarded the late Major General Stanisław Sosabowski commander of the 1st (Polish) Independent Parachute Brigade the Bronze Lion for his services in Operation Market Garden in 1944.
[edit] References
- Royal Honours, Bronze Lion The official site about Dutch Royal Honours.
