History

The Star and Cross for Montevideo (Cruz e Estrela de Distinção de Montevidéo), a.k.a. Cross for King's Royal Volunteers, were established by D. João VI in 1824. They were founded to reward Brazilians and Portuguese soldiers, and civilians, in recognition of their participation at the battle against Banda Oriental, today Uruguay, between 1816 and 1820.

In MedalBook, the Star and Cross are classified into Types based on the design of the decoration. Type I includes decorations of the Star for Montevideo, while Type II consists of decorations of the Cross for Montevideo.

In Type I, the Star was awarded to civilians and soldiers who suffered a siege in the city of Montevideo when they were surrounded by the forces of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata.

The Star was awarded with four grades; the Gold Star for General and Major Officers features large size, while the Gold Star for Officers features smaller size. The Silver Star for civilians equated to General rank features large size as well, while the Silver Star for civilians equated to Officer rank features smaller size.

The small size versions are known as Brazilian type.