History

The Medal of Military Virtue was established by King Carol I in 1872 after he received permission from the ruling Turkish government. It was suppressed in 1947 after the abolition of the Romanian monarchy, but it was reinstated in 2000 following the collapse of the communist regime. From 1872-1880 it was awarded to Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers in recognition of long service or acts of bravery. It was only awarded in recognition of long service following the creation of the Cross of Military Bravery in 1880. It is currently awarded to Non-Commissioned Officers and enlisted men of the Romanian Armed Forces for meritorious service. It may also be awarded to Romanian civilians of equal rank in recognition of meritorious service rendered to the Romanian Armed Forces.

The Medal of Military Virtue is classified into two types based on time period in which it was awarded. Type I Medals were awarded in the Kingdom of Romania and feature the portrait of King Carol I. Type II Medals have been awarded since 2000 and feature the national crest.

The Type II Medal is awarded in peacetime and wartime versions. The peacetime version is round and the wartime version is in the form of a cross. The peacetime version is awarded to military personnel with a surmounting wreath. All three versions have a reverse inscription that translates to "Military Virtue."

The Type I Medal is listed in the Medals & Decorations of the Kingdom of Romania (1881-1947).