Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Presented to Kiffin Rockwell of the Lafayette Escadrille. 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 four bronze palm attachments signify the Rockwell was mentioned in dispatches at the army level on four occasions.

American citizen Kiffin Rockwell volunteered to fly with the French Air Service during World War I prior to the United States' entry into the conflict. Rockwell was the first American pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft in World War I. He was killed in action in September 1916, the second American airman to die in combat in France.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin France Type AWARDS-Medals & Ribbons 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"; 3 bronze palm leaves and 5 point silver star on ribbon. Dimensions 3-D: 4 × 0.6 × 11.7cm (1 9/16 × 1/4 × 4 5/8 in.)
 Materials Copper Alloy
Silk
Steel
Adhesive Tape
Ink
 Inventory Number A19620114005 Credit Line Donated by Mr. Paul A. Rockwell Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.