History

The Faithful Service Medal was established by Prince Carol I in 1878. It was later followed by the Faithful Service Cross in 1906 and the Order of Faithful Service in 1932. It was suppressed in 1947 after the abolition of the Romanian monarchy but was reinstated in 2004 following the collapse of the communist regime. It is currently awarded to Romanian citizens and foreigners in recognition of meritorious service to Romania. It was previously awarded to German military personnel during the Second World War, and from 1937-1941 it could be conferred with swords for wartime merit.

Since its reinstatement in 2000, peacetime membership in the II Class Medal grade has been limited to 3000 civilians and 600 military personnel. There is no limit on wartime conferral and foreigners are not included in statutory limits.

There are three models of the II Class Medal. The first and second models were both awarded prior to 1947 and feature a surmounting crown and the royal coat of arms of Romania. They differ in the spelling of the reverse inscription. The third model, awarded since 2000, features a surmounting wreath and the national coat of arms of Romania and is awarded in different versions to civilians and military personnel. The medal for military personnel features surmounting crossed swords. All three models have a reverse inscription that translates to “Faithful Service.”

There may be additional versions of the II Class Medal that vary in manufacturer, size or composition.

The earlier versions are listed in the Medals & Decorations of the Kingdom of Romania (1881-1947).