Physical Description

An eight-pointed cross constructed of bronze gilt, war material gilt, or white metal gilt. There is a laurel wreath in the quadrants between the arms. The obverse centre bears a circular medallion with a crowned griffin. The reverse centre bears a circular medallion with the royal monogram of Grand Duke Friedrich II . On a loop for suspension. On a red and yellow striped ribbon.

History

The War Merit Cross was instituted on September 9, 1916, by Grand Duke Friedrich II. It was conferred upon individuals who demonstrated exceptional merit during the First World War by performing official or voluntary work which directly benefited the army or the welfare of the state. The cross was primarily conferred for service on the home front.

Individuals who had previously received an award for war merit were not eligible to receive the War Merit Cross.