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Presented to Edwin C. Parsons. The Croix de Guerre was established in April 1915 by the French government to recognize French and allied soldiers who were cited for bravery during their service in World War I.

The eight bronze palm attachments signify that Parsons was mentioned in dispatches at the army level on eight occassions.

Edwin "Ted" Parsons became a pilot in the French Air Service in 1916 and, beginning in January 1917, he flew with the famed Lafayette Escadrille. When the unit was transferred to the U.S. Army Air Service in February 1918, Parsons elected to stay in the French Air Service. By the end of the war, he had shot down eight enemy aircraft.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Pre-1920 Aviation at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Pre-1920 Aviation
Object Details
Country of Origin France Type AWARDS-Medals & Ribbons Owner Rear Admiral Edwin C. Parsons, 1892 - 1968
 Physical Description Croix de Guerre (War Cross); bronze cross with crossed swords; Obverse: center disk, relief bust of Napoleon surrounded by embossed text "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE"; Reverse: embossed dates "1914-1918"; 8 bronze palm leaves on ribbon. Dimensions 3-D: 3.7 x 1.3 x 14.8cm (1 7/16 x 1/2 x 5 13/16 in.)
 Materials Medal: Bronze
Ribbon: Silk
 Inventory Number A19772571000 Credit Line Donated by Mrs. Edwin C. Parsons Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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