What does the cryptic crossword clue "Smooth illiterate’s “signature” for military decoration (4,5)" mean?

The definition is "decoration". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). IRON (synonym="“smooth”") + CROSS (synonym="“illiterate’s signature”") = IRONCROSS; definition: "military decoration" The answer is IRONCROSS.

Smooth illiterate’s “signature” for military decoration (4,5)

Guardian Cryptic #29471 | 16 Down | 2024-08-26 flower

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