History

The Iron Cross and Iron Medal were awarded to Belgian citizens for feats of arms in the revolt against King William I of the Netherlands between August 25, 1830 and February 4, 1831 during the Belgian Revolution. They were also Belgian citizens in recognition of any wounds incurred in the hostilities and to all members of the Provisional Government.

The decoration was originally awarded as both a cross and a medal, however, on August 22, 1834, the medal was replaced by the II Class Cross. The medal continued to be awarded as a souvenir to recipients of both the I Class Cross and II Class Cross. On February 21, 1835, the II Class Cross was discontinued, and holders of this grade were asked to exchange their decorations for the I Class Cross. In total, it is estimated that 1635 Crosses were awarded.

The obverse inscription translates to “To the Defenders of the Fatherland,” and the reverse inscription translates to “Independence of Belgium.”