Two Captains Receive the Cross of Military Merit in the Red Division

Cross of Military Merit in the red division (Photo:Army Communication Department)

Captain López de Lis and Captain Pérez Montes have been rewarded with the Cross of Military Merit in the red division, just as is established in Order DEF/2874/2011, of 17th October, which is published in the Official Defence Ministry Bulletin of 27th October. The actions that have made them worthy of these rewards occurred in the course of the Afghanistan mission. As well, the Cross of Naval Merit in the red division has been awarded to Captain López de Anca, of the Marines.

When the events took place, the two Army captains were posted to 3rd Light Infantry Regiment 'Príncipe', headquartered on Base 'Cabo Noval' in Siero (Asturias). This unit belongs to 7th Light Infantry Brigade 'Galicia'. At present, Captain López de Lis is posted to the 12th Armoured Infantry Brigade "Guadarrama” Headquarters Battalion, located on Base 'El Goloso' in Madrid. Both officers were part of the 27th Spanish Force in Afghanistan, constituted with core troops from 3rd Light Infantry Regiment "Príncipe".

In accordance with the General Rules on Military Rewards, the Cross of Military Merit in the red division is awarded ‘to those persons who, courageously, have undertaken efficient actions, deeds or services in the course of an armed conflict or in military operations that involve or could involve the use of an armed force, and which involve significant military or command skills’. It is also awarded ‘to those persons who are killed on active service in missions abroad, as a result of violent actions by hostile elements’.