The Croix de guerre 1914–1918 (English: War Cross) is a French military decoration, the first version of the Croix de Guerre. It was created to recognize French and allied soldiers who were cited for valorous service during World War I, similar to the British mentioned in dispatches but with multiple degrees equivalent to other nations' decorations for courage. World War I began in 1914 and ended in 1918, so the final name adopted is "Croix de guerre 1914–1918".