Marine Corps Crimson Cross

The Marine Corps Crimson Cross was a decoration given to soldiers and officers of the Republic Marines who had been wounded or killed either in combat or through circumstances beyond control. There were three orders to the Cross itself that were applied to living persons: light, given for wounds which temporarily put the Marine out of action; moderate, for wounds which necessitate an extensive recovery period; and severe, which was given for wounds which imparted permanent impairments that necessitated a Marine's discharge from the military. In cases of death the medal's highest order was given posthumously to the recipient's next-of-kin or closest other relation.

The Crimson Cross was bestowed automatically, with subsequent wounds being recognized by the addition of "clusters." It was one of the first medals of the Marine Corps, having been adapted for use from the other branches of the.

Behind the scenes
The Crimson Cross was inspired by the, a decoration given to members of the who are wounded or killed in action, as well as the logo of the , an international aid organization.