History

The Cross for Military Academy (Cruz del Colegio Militar) was authorized in Mexico on August 19, 1840. It was instituted in recognition of all the cadets who defended the central government from foreign attacks on July 26, 1840.

The Mexican congress authorized two classes of the Cross that differ in the color of the ribbon; I Class Cross (on blue ribbon) was awarded to those who covered the Ciudadela, nearby to the National Palace. II Class Cross (on red ribbon) was awarded to those who occupied positions in the line of operations.

The Cross features an obverse inscription that can be translated to "In his Youth he Saved to the Capital City of the Republic in the Glorious Journey of 15th to 26th of July, 1840."