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.

Only the Médaille Militaire and Legion of Honour were bestowed for courage in the field, due to the numbers now involved, a new decoration was required in earnest.

On 18 January 1915, Driant submitted this bill but the name of the military award was renamed to Croix de guerre ("War Cross").

Every Croix de guerre awarded carries at least one citation for gallantry or courage to a member of any rank of the French military or of an allied army.

The cross is only awarded once and subsequent actions worthy of citations will be limited to additional ribbon devices on the originally received insignia.