Large gilt bronze cross pattée with rays between the arms with loop for ribbon bar suspension; the face with a circular central gilt medallion bearing the portrait in relief of Marshal Andrés Avelino Cáceres within a red enamel ring inscribed in gilt letters ‘MEDALLA DEL COMBATIENTE • MCal •ANDRES A CACERES’ within a stylized dark green enamel laurel wreath; the reverse with a central circular gilt medallion bearing the coat of arms of the army of Peru; diameter 53.1mm (2 inches); on original ribbon with top bar mounted with pin for wear. The order is awarded for distinction in armed combat in the defence of the country. Andrés Avelino Cáceres Dorregaray 1833-1923 became a national hero in his native Peru leading the resistance to Chilean occupation during the War of the Pacific, 1879-1883. He subsequently served twice as President of Peru from 1886 to 1890, and again from 1894 to 1895 with mixed success, going into exile in Argentina. He was later Peruvian ambassador to Italy and Germany, returning to Peru in 1919 and being granted the rank of Marshal. He is today patron of the Peruvian Infantry. An infrequently found award.
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