Physical Description

A cross pattée constructed of bronze gilt, bronze, or war metal gilt. The obverse bears a central circular medallion with a straight armed cross pattée in the centre. The 12 o'clock arm bears a crown, the 6 o'clock arm bears the shield of Baden, and the 9 and 3 o'clock arms bear the dates "1914" and "1916". The reverse centre bears a circular medallion with the royal monogram of Grand Duke Friedrich II. The arms are bare. On a loop for suspension on a red and yellow striped ribbon.

There are examples of the cross with an without an oak leaf wreath in the quadrants between the arms.

History

The Cross for Voluntary War Aid was originally founded in 1871. It was renewed by Grand Duke Friedrich II on December 24, 1915. The cross was conferred upon men and women who provided extraordinary care to the sick and wounded during the First World War.

The cross with oak leaves wreath was conferred upon individuals who rendered exceptional care of the sick and wounded within a war zone. Female recipients wore the award on a bow ribbon. The reverse features the royal cypher of Grand Duke Friedrich.

There is no difference between the size of the crosses that were conferred upon men and women. The difference in ribbon does not affect the price of the medal.