History

The Medical Merit Cross was established by King Carol I in 1913 in honour of the successful fight against cholera during the Second Balkan War. It was awarded to Romanian civilians and military personnel in recognition of meritorious service rendered to health care in Romania, which included front line medical service, material and monetary donations, and writings. It was later discontinued in 1947 following the abolition of the Romanian monarchy.

From 1917-1938 the Cross could be awarded with an oak wreath clasp for wartime merit, but it was discontinued in 1938 when a wartime ribbon was introduced.

The I Class Cross has a reverse inscription that translates to “Medical Merit.”