What is the French Fourragere known for?

• A. Awarded to 5th and 6th regiments for actions in Belle Wood; Croix de Guerre x3
• B. Gold braid worn on the uniform sleeve
• C. Given to all Marines after Vietnam
• D. A type of flag used in ceremonies

Answer: (A)

The Fourragere is a symbol that a military unit earned serious recognition from France for valor in battle. It indicates the unit was cited in the order of the French Army for exceptional actions, typically tied to Croix de Guerre awards. In U.S. Marine Corps history, the most famous example is the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments, which distinguished themselves at Belleau Wood and elsewhere in World War I, earning Croix de Guerre citations three times. That triple recognition is what the Fourragere commemorates for those units, which is why the option describing awards to the 5th and 6th regiments for actions at Belleau Wood, with Croix de Guerre three times, is the best answer. The other possibilities aren’t what the Fourragere represents: it isn’t just a gold braid on the sleeve, it isn’t something given to all Marines after Vietnam, and it isn’t a ceremonial flag.