Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Royal and Military Order of Saint Ferdinand |
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Grand Laureated star of the Order of Saint Ferdinand
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| Type | Military Order of Merit |
| Eligibility | Military personnel |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Statistics | |
| Established | 31 August 1811 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | None |
| Next (lower) | Military Medal |
 Ribbon of the order |
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The Royal and Military Order of Saint Ferdinand (Spanish: Real y Militar Orden de San Fernando) is a special Spanish award. It is given to military members for being very brave. The award itself is called the Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand (Spanish: Cruz Laureada de San Fernando). It is the highest military award in Spain for showing great courage.
This award is given for actions that protect the country, its people, or peace around the world. These actions must be taken when there is a big risk to the person doing them. Only current or former members of the Spanish Armed Forces can receive this honor.
The King or Queen of Spain is the head of the Order of Saint Ferdinand. They lead a special meeting every two years. This meeting happens at the Royal Monastery of El Escorial. The King or Queen's helper in the Order is called the Grand Master. This person helps to manage the Order.
What Makes Someone Eligible for the Award?
To receive the Royal Military Order of Saint Ferdinand, certain rules must be followed. These rules make sure the award goes to truly brave acts:
- The person's main goal was not just to save their own life.
- The action was not done just to get awards. It was not done by putting their own life or others' lives in danger for no good reason.
- The person tried to cause as little harm as possible. They also tried to keep the number of injuries to their own side very low.
- The action was taken when things were very difficult or dangerous.
- The action made a big and important difference in the situation.
History of the Order
The Royal Military Order of Saint Ferdinand was created in 1811. It was set up by the Cortes of Cádiz. This was a group that acted like a government after King Ferdinand VII was removed from power. The Order was made to honor very heroic acts by soldiers.
King Ferdinand confirmed the Order when he returned to Madrid in 1815. Many brave people have received this award over the years. Some of them include Marcelo Azcárraga Palmero, Juan Prim, Juan de la Cruz Mourgeón, Francisco de Albear, José Enrique Varela Iglesias (who received it twice), Francisco Serrano y Domínguez, Frederick Thomas Pelham, Henry Kelly (VC), Martín Cerezo, Francisco Franco Bahamonde, and Mohamed Meziane.
See also
