History

This medal was instituted by Emperor Franz Joseph I on his 68th birthday (August 18 1898). It was awarded to military and civil personnel, without considered of rank or sex, for forty years of faithful service in the public and private spheres.

Original intended for only civil servants, the eligible recipients were expanded to include military personnel in September 1898. This applied mainly to military clerics, auditors, military doctors, formation bookkeepers, officials and other personal who were not allowed to be awarded the Long Service Decoration.

The medal was conferred from 1898-1918.

The ribbon worn with the civil personnel medal is red.

The ribbon worn with the military personnel medal was yellow with black stripes on both exterior edges.
The inscription on the reverse translates roughly to “a sign of the loyal performance of duty for 40 years.”