Laureate Plate of Madrid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Laureate Badge of Madrid |
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| Type | Medal |
| Eligibility | Military personnel |
| Status | Awarded 1937–1939 |
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| Established | 25 May 1937 |
The Laureate Badge of Madrid (Spanish: Placa Laureada de Madrid) was the highest military award for bravery given by the Second Spanish Republic. It was like a special medal given to soldiers, sailors, and airmen. They earned it for doing very brave things to protect their country and its people. This was especially true if they risked their own lives to do so.
This award was named after Madrid, the capital city of Spain. Madrid became a symbol of courage during the Siege of Madrid. This siege happened during the Spanish Civil War. The Laureate Badge of Madrid was created on May 25, 1937. It was the Republican version of another famous medal, the Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand. That medal was given out by the monarchy and the other side in the war, called the Nationalist faction.
Who Earned This Special Award?
Only 8 people received the Laureate Badge of Madrid. They were from different parts of the Spanish Republican military:
- From the Spanish Republican Army:
- Vicente Rojo Lluch was a General and the Chief of the General Staff.
- José Miaja Menant was also a General in the Popular Army.
- Manuel Fontela Frois was a Major in the Republican Cavalry.
- Domiciano Leal Sargenta and Manuel Álvarez Álvarez were Majors in the Militia. They earned the award for their bravery in the Battle of the Ebro. They received it posthumously, which means after they had died.
- From the Spanish Republican Navy:
- Luis González de Ubieta was an Admiral. He earned the award for sinking the heavy cruiser Baleares. This happened during the Battle of Cabo de Palos, which was the biggest naval battle of the Spanish Civil War.
- Ambrosio Ristori de la Cuadra was a Major in the Infantería de Marina (Marine Infantry). He also received his award posthumously. He was very brave during the Siege of the Alcázar and the Battle of Seseña, where he was killed.
- From the Spanish Republican Air Force:
- Leocadio Mendiola Núñez was a Major in the Air Force. He was recognized for his important services. However, he never actually received the medal because the Second Spanish Republic fell.
The Madrid Distinction: A Related Award
The Distintivo de Madrid, or Madrid Distinction, was another award. It was also created by the Second Spanish Republic to honor courage. This award was given to people and ships of the Spanish Republican Navy. They earned it for their part in the Battle of Cape Palos in January 1938.
After Admiral Luis González de Ubieta received the Laureate Badge of Madrid, the Distintivo de Madrid was given to several ships. These included the cruisers Libertad and Méndez Núñez. It was also given to the destroyers Lepanto, Almirante Antequera, and Sánchez Barcáiztegui. All the crew members on these ships also received the award for their bravery in the battle.
From then on, these ships would fly a special pennant. The sailors would also wear a special badge on their uniforms. This badge showed the old coat of arms of Madrid.
See also
In Spanish: Placa Laureada de Madrid para niños
- List of military decorations - Spain
- Order of the Spanish Republic
