Soldiers who have distinguished themselves in battle against the enemy with particularly courageous behavior and discreet actions are eligible for the Bronze Lion. Only the king can award this decoration to soldiers in the service of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The Bronze Lion was established by Royal Decree of March 30, 1944 by Queen Wilhelmina and subsequently supplemented by Royal Decree of November 9, 1944.
The cross is made of bronze with a Dutch lion on the front as it appeared in the national coat of arms from before 1907, the back is flat. The ribbon consists of nine equal vertical bands, alternating orange and Nassaus blue.