History

The Medal of Military Merit was established by King Carol I in 1880. It was awarded to Non-Commissioned Officers and enlisted men in recognition of acts of bravery performed in combat, but it was permanently suppressed in 1947 following the abolition of the Romanian monarchy.

There are two versions of the I Class Medal that vary in obverse inscription. The first features an obverse inscription that translates to "Carol I, Prince of Romania," and the second features an obverse inscription that translates to "Carol I, King of Romania." Both versions have a reverse inscription that translates to "Military Virtue."

There may be additional versions of the I Class Medal that differ in size, engraving, suspension or composition.