Mali and Niger (Opération Serval, from 11 January 2013). Tunisia (from 1 June 1953 to 1956) Grades of distinction The grades of the Cross are insignia of a mention in dispatches, which can be of one of five levels matching the valour displayed by the recipient while in presence of an enemy. They are each named after a historical formation of the French military. Eligibility and awarding process The 1956 Cross was meant principally for soldiers, but a provision was made for civilians participating in a peacekeeping operation. On 2 December 2005 this provision was amended in order to reward only civilian employees of the Ministry of Defence on official missions overseas. Originally, the cross was not awarded to members of foreign militaries or governments. This restriction was lifted on 9 November 2011 for acts of valour or performed valiant service while on joint operations with French forces. Collective awards can be made to military units, both French and foreign, since 2011. When a unit has decorated twice with the Cross at its highest level, the fourragère can be worn on uniforms. The four first grades of the Cross can be awarded by Chef d'état-major des Armées (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), but the Cross with Palm decoration is only awarded by the Ministre de la Défense (Minister of Defence). Award description Medal: suspended from a ribbon is a 36 mm bronze cross, with an effigy of the Republic crowned with a wreath, with the edge embossed: "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE". On the reverse is the inscription: "Croix de la Valeur militaire". Ribbon: a red bar with three vertical white bands: a centered 7 mm band, with a smaller 2 mm band on each end. Recipient units (partial list) Frigate Jean de Vienne (D643) Police Mobile Armoured Group (GBGM) 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment 126th Infantry Regiment 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment 1st Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment 3rd Combat helicopter regiment 152nd Infantry Regiment 2nd Foreign Legion Parachute Regiment 12th Cuirassier Regiment 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment 2nd Marine Infantry Regiment 3rd Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment 13th Parachute Dragoon Regiment 2nd Foreign Legion Engineer Regiment Escadron de Chasse 01-007 "Provence" 2/4 La Fayette Fighter Squadron Frigate Courbet (F 712) 40th Artillery Regiment 1st Parachute Hussar Regiment 1st Foreign Legion Cavalry Regiment 2/61 Franche-Comté Transport Squadron 6th Engineers Regiment 2nd Foreign Legion Infantry Regiment National Gendarmerie Intervention Group See