Gilt-edged red enamel Greek (Geneva) cross imposed on a four-pointed beaded-edged decussate white enamel star, with foliate suspension with laterally-pierced loop for ribbon suspension; the face with an imposed gilt pelican on a gilt escutcheon bearing a red enamel Greek (Geneva) cross; the reverse plain; on original ribbon. The award is made by the Belgian Red Cross to regular blood donors. The pelican was believed to feed its young by plucking its own breast for blood if food was scarce (in fact, the pelican has pouches in which its stores food) and thus became an appropriate symbol of self-sacrifice for good. An excellent example.
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