Established in 1915, the Croix de Guerre is a French military decoration recognizing acts of bravery in combat. The bronze star (étoile de bronze) denotes a citation at the regiment or brigade level, acknowledging commendable service mentioned in dispatches by lower-level command. This award honors soldiers who demonstrated courage and valour during wartime, particularly in World War I or II. The bronze star differentiates it from higher-level citations, such as those with silver stars, by indicating the level at which the act was recognized.