History

The Elizabeth Cross was established by King Carol I in 1878 in honour of his wife, Elizabeth of Wied. It was awarded primarily to Romanian women in recognition of medical services rendered during the Romanian War of Independence, but it was also awarded to Romanian women who contributed indirectly to the care of the sick or wounded with monetary and material donations. It could also be awarded to doctors of private ambulances.

The Gold Cross has a reverse inscription that translates to “Relief and Comfort.” It was awarded to men on a ribbon and to women on a bow.

There may be additional versions of the Gold Cross that differ in size or composition.