Cruz Fidélitas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cruz Fidélitas
Eligibility	Military chaplains, as well as other military personnel, civilians and institutions
Awarded for	Long and faithful service as a military chaplain, or services to the Military Archbishopric of Spain
Status	Currently awarded
Statistics
Established	July 25, 2007
Precedence
Next (higher)	Long Military Service Cross
Next (lower)	None
Ribbon bar of the medal

The Cruz Fidélitas (which means "Fidelity Cross" in English) is a special medal from the Spanish Armed Forces. It is mostly given to military chaplains, who are like spiritual guides for soldiers. This award comes from the Military Archbishopric of Spain, which is the religious organization for the military. It honors chaplains for their loyal service. It can also be given to other military people, civilians, and groups who have helped the archbishopric.

How the Medal Started

The Cruz Fidélitas was created on July 25, 2007. It was started by the military archbishop at that time, Francisco Pérez González. This medal is a decoration of the Archdiocese of Spain, not directly the military.

Only the current military archbishop can give out these awards. However, he can let another chaplain give out some of the awards, except for the highest one, called the Grand Cross. The names of everyone who receives this medal are written down in the official announcements of the Military Archbishopric of Spain.

Different Kinds of Medals

There are three main types of the Cruz Fidélitas for military chaplains. These are given based on how many years they have served:

• The Cruz de la Cruz Fidélitas (Cross of the Fidelity Cross) is for 15 years of service.
• The Encomienda de la Cruz Fidélitas (Commendation of the Fidelity Cross) is for 20 years of service.
• The Plata de la Cruz Fidélitas (Plate of the Fidelity Cross) is for 25 years of service.

Plate of the Cruz Fidélitas (First Class)

Commendation of the Cruz Fidélitas (Second Class)

Cross of the Cruz Fidélitas (Third Class)

There are also two other types of the Cruz Fidélitas. These are only given to people who are not chaplains:

• The Cruz de Honor de la Cruz Fidélitas (Cross of Honor of the Fidelity Cross) is for people who have helped the archbishopric a lot.
• The Gran Cruz de la Cruz Fidélitas (Grand Cross of the Fidelity Cross) is for people who have given very special and important help.

Grand Cross of the Cruz Fidélitas

Cross of Honor of the Cruz Fidélitas

What the Medal Looks Like

The ribbon of the medal is purple. It has two white stripes running down each side. Hanging from the ribbon is a white cross. This cross has a shiny, glass-like coating called enamel and a gold border. Gold spikes stick out between the arms of the cross.

In the middle of the cross is the special symbol of the Military Archbishopric of Spain, which is colored red. On the back of the medal, you can see a raised letter "F" in the center. The year "2007" is also raised on the bottom arm of the cross. A gold crown connects the cross to the ribbon.

The small bar you wear on your uniform, called a ribbon bar, also has a special design. This design changes depending on which type of medal you received. For the Plate, Commendation, and Cross of the Cruz Fidélitas, the ribbon bar has a Latin cross. This cross is gold, silver, or bronze. The ribbon bar for the Grand Cross has a Spanish Royal Crown.

People Who Have Received the Cross of Honor

• Antonio Padillo
• Don Alonso Ros Carrasco
• Juan Salvador

See also

In Spanish: Cruz Fidélitas para niños

• Orders, decorations, and medals of Spain
• Military Archbishopric of Spain