History

The Naval Order of Maria Cristina (Orden Naval de María Cristina ) was founded by Queen Regent Maria Cristina on February 25, 1891. It was awarded to members of the Spanish Navy Force in recognition of great and heroic deeds, and meritorious acts within dangerous military campaigns at sea.

It was a military Order awarded mainly in time of war, and it was founded as extension of the Military Order of Maria Cristina.

The Order had I, II, and III Class Breast Star grades. The III Class consisted of a sash badge, and it was conferred upon General and their assimilated. In 1925, the Silver Cross was added to reward marines.

The Order was abolished in 1918, and restored in 1925. The badge was modified in 1931 by the Second Spanish Republic.

In 1937 the Order was suppressed and replaced by the War Cross.

If the Order was awarded more than once to the same person, the name and date of the campaign were added via rectangular bars on the cross arms.

The Order features an obverse inscription that translates to "To Naval Merit."

The I Class Star is generally awarded with a gold-coloured (gilt) rectangular bar under the gold crown on the top cross arm, gold lions and a castle on the cross arms, and the cross itself is composed of bronze.