This is a list of military decorations awarded by the United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicanos) as part of the Mexican Honours System. Decoration for Heroic Valor The Condecoración al Valor Heroico is awarded to military personnel for exceptional acts of heroism at risk of their own life; it may be awarded in both war and peace. Description: Gilt-edged red-enameled "Lancer Cross" (equilateral cross whose arms resemble lance heads) resting on a gilt "star" of multiple rays (resembles a square with points at the cardinal points). Oval red central medallion has 1, 2, or 3 according to class, surrounded by a white band inscribed, Valor Heroico in gold. Suspended from a red and white ribbon according to class, with a gilt bar at top inscribed, Mexico. 1st class - solid red ribbon 2nd class - five equal stripes, three red and two white 3rd class - white ribbon with medium width red edges War Cross The Cruz de Guerra is awarded to military personnel in time of war or armed conflict for actions that do not merit an award of the Medal of Valor. Description: Red enameled gilt Maltese cross with "stepped" concave terminations; very large central medallion bears gilt head of Cuauhtémoc in war helmet on red background, surrounded by gilt band inscribed, Cruz de Guerra above and class of medal below. Suspended from a red ribbon with a gilt bar at the top inscribed Mexico. Comes in three classes. Medal of Military Merit The Condecoración al Mérito Militar is presented to members of the Army and Air Force for acts of exceptional merit that greatly benefits the Mexican Armed Forces. Description: Takes the form of an 8-pointed gilt or silver star of multiple rays, resting on a blue-enameled cross pattée with slightly concave ends; central medallion has the Mexican eagle on a blue background, surrounded by a red band inscribed, Mérito Militar above 1a or 2a and Clase. Suspended from a blue and red ribbon according to class, with a gilt or silver bar at top inscribed, Mexico. 1st class - gilt star, worn directly on breast without ribbon 2nd class - gilt star, blue ribbon with medium-wide red center stripe 3rd class - silver star, blue ribbon with 2 medium-wide red center stripes Medal of Naval Merit The Condecoración al Mérito Naval is the Naval equivalent of the Medal of Military Merit, conferred for exceptionally meritorious acts