Loyal
Service Cross
Crucea
"Serviciul Credincios"
1906-1947
The
Romanian Loyal (faithful)
Service Cross was instituted on 10 Oct. 1906 and was awarded forLong or
meritorious service to the state.
The first type of the medal was awarded until 1932 and was awarded in
two
classes.
The class
I was made in silver gilt, and class
II was made in silver.
Generally, the class I cross was awarded 4 years after the award of the
class II cross.
The Loyal
Service Cross was awarded for life, but could be revoked if the
recipient was convicted of a crime, or was found to have done
'dishonorable' deeds. The cross could also be awarded to
foreigners.
The medal was a cross of 4 arms surmounted by a
crown. There is an oak leaf at the base of each arm of the
cross. There are also 'rays' between each arm of the cross
forming a 4 pointed star. The
center
medallion is a miniture
version
of the Loyal Service Medal. The Obverse
is the coat of
arms of Romania and the reverse
reads "Serviciu
Credincios" (Translation: Loyal or Faithful Service), surrounded with a
wreath of
laurel
and oak leaves.
The ribbon for the first type cross is blue flanked by
silver
edges.
Type II
The Type 2 Loyal Service medal was awarded from
1932 to 1947. It was awarded in three classes. Class
I was made in
silver
gilt, class
II in silver, and class
III in bronze. Begining in 1937,
the
type 2 medal could also be awarded with swords to members of the
military.
The ribbon
is blue, flanked
by 3mm silver stripes with a 3mm yellow stripe in the center. In
times of war, the "war ribbon" was used, which included the addition
of
3mm yellow stripes on the outer edges.
The cross
is 34mm wide, plain, and
is encircled with a wreath. The center medallion is the same as
the Type I medal.
The Obverse
reads "Serviciu
Credincios" (Translation: Loyal Service), surrounded with a wreath of
laurel
and oak leaves.
In all
there were 8 variations
of the medal.
Type
I - 1906-1932
I
Class -
gilt
II Class -
silvered
Type
II - 1932-1947
Class I -
gilt
Class II-
silvered
Class
III-
bronze
Type
II with swords 1937-1947
Class
I with swords
Class
II with swords
Class
III with swords
References
Littlejohn,
David. Foreign
Legions of the Third Reich. R. Vol 4. R. James Bender Publishing, p.
118.
Pankey,
Charles. Original
research.
Catone,
Stefan; Serbanescu,
Neculae; and Dumitrascu, Bedivan. Romania Decoratii 1859-1991; Realizat
Prin Cover; 1992.
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