Belgian WWI Blood Donors Medal

Theis is the Médaille du Donneur de Sang de la Croix-Rouge which is a Belgian First World War award for blood donors who made their donations within this organization. It is a very attractive award with a red enamelled cross set over a white enamelled star and suspended on a red and white ribbon from a bronze loop. At the centre is a heart-shaped pelican perched on an escutcheon bearing a Greek cross, mounted for wear. The pelican was believed to feed its young by plucking its own breast for blood and thus became an appropriate symbol of self-sacrifice for good. A most unusual and very emotive medal for those who gave blood for wounded soldiers.