Order of the Combat Cross

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Order of the Combat Cross
The Order of the Combat Cross Armenia
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Next (lower)	Order of Saint Vardan Mamikonian
Ribbon of the order of the Combat Cross
Precedence

The Order of the Combat Cross () is a state decoration of the Republic of Armenia. It was established in 1992, following Armenia's independence, and is awarded to both military personnel and civilians for exceptional courage, self-sacrifice, and significant contributions in defending the Republic of Armenia.

History

The Order of the Combat Cross was created shortly after Armenia regained independence from the Soviet Union. It was officially established on 22 July 1992 by the Law on State Awards of the Republic of Armenia. It was one of the very first national decorations of independent Armenia, reflecting the country's need to recognize acts of bravery during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict of the early 1990s.

The first awards were conferred in 1994, following the conclusion of active hostilities in the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. Since then, the decoration has remained a central part of Armenia's honors system and has been awarded during every major phase of military conflict, including the April War of 2016 and the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.

The statute regulating the Order was updated in 2014, refining the eligibility criteria and clarifying the distinction between First and Second Class awards.

Legal basis

The Order of the Combat Cross is regulated by the Law of the Republic of Armenia on State Awards and Honorary Titles, first adopted on 22 July 1992 and last updated in 2014. According to the law, the decoration is conferred by the President of Armenia, based on recommendations from the Government and the Ministry of Defense. Both First and Second Class awards can be granted to Armenian citizens, foreign nationals, and stateless persons.

Status and awarding

The Order of the Combat Cross is among the highest military awards of Armenia and remains active. It is typically awarded on official state occasions, including Independence Day and Army Day. It can also be awarded posthumously. By statute, the insignia is worn on the left side of the chest, above other medals but below the Order of the Motherland.

Since its creation, more than 70 awards have been issued, including both individual and collective decorations.

Classes

The Order has two classes, defined by law:

• First Class – awarded for exceptional command of combat operations, for acts of outstanding bravery, and for actions that ensured significant military success.
• Second Class – awarded for personal courage and heroism displayed in the defense of Armenia, including actions by members of the armed forces and other state security structures.

Appearance

The insignia of the Order of the Combat Cross is a cross-shaped medal struck in silver with gilded borders.

• At the center of the cross is a circular medallion bearing the Coat of arms of Armenia.
• The arms of the cross are slightly flared, and the gilding emphasizes its martial character.
• The reverse of the insignia is plain, usually inscribed with the state serial number of the award.

The ribbon is dark red, symbolizing blood shed in defense of the homeland. It is bordered by thin orange and blue stripes representing the national tricolor of Armenia. The ribbon bar is rectangular with the same pattern. Both First Class and Second Class insignia are identical in design; the distinction lies in the presidential decree and the accompanying documentation.

Notable recipients

The Order of the Combat Cross has been awarded to both individuals and entire military units:

• The 2nd Army Corps (Armenia) – awarded the First Class Combat Cross for its role in defending the northeastern border of Armenia.
• The 14th Independent Motorized Rifle Regiment – received the Order of the Combat Cross, First Degree, for distinguished service.

Among individuals:

• Kyaram Sloyan, an ethnic Yezidi soldier of the Armenian Army, was posthumously awarded the First Class Combat Cross for his heroism during the April 2016 clashes.
• Lieutenant Meruzhan Stepanyan, killed in action in 2016, was posthumously awarded the First Class Combat Cross.
• Numerous servicemen were decorated during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and subsequent clashes on the Armenian border, many of them posthumously.

Ceremony

The awarding of the Order is formalized through a presidential decree. The decoration is usually presented by the President of Armenia during official ceremonies at the Presidential Palace or in military units. Coverage in national media often accompanies the ceremonies, reflecting the official recognition of individual and collective contributions to national defense.

See also

• Orders, decorations, and medals of Armenia
• President of Armenia
• Order of Saint Vardan Mamikonian

External links

• Official site of the President of Armenia – State Awards

This article "Order of the Combat Cross" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Order of the Combat Cross. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

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