486 



THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE 





© Press Illustrating Service 

 HOW OUR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSSES ARE MADE 



In the upper illustration the metal-workers are seen pouring the melted bronze into 

 molds. The first few crosses struck had the arms of the cross heavily decorated with oak 

 leaves, but these were soon recalled and all subsequent crosses have been plain, as shown in 

 the illustration in colors", number 4. 



Below and to the left is shown the small square of bronze upon which the die is stamped 

 by a hydraulic press exerting a pressure of from 100 to 250 tons to the square inch. The cross 

 is cut out by machines and finished by hand, the progressive stages of manufacture being 

 shown from left to right. 



tation is when the decoration is actually 

 received. The award is always to the 

 individual who earned the decoration, 

 even though he may have died in the 

 meantime. Whenever possible, it is also 

 presented to him and with considerable 

 formality and ceremony, but this is not 



essential ; presentation can be made to 

 any one deputed to receive it. 



In the case of a Service Medal the 

 order announcing the qualifications for 

 any particular medal is the award to all 

 who are covered by the order. These 

 medals are rarely presented with for- 



