Physical Description

Constructed of iron and silvered white metal. The decoration is made up of a blackened laurel wreath, with a silver crown between the open top part and the silver monogram ‘EL’ in the centre. The bottom features a small silver plaque with the number ‘25’ (for Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig’s 25th anniversary of reign). The decoration is cut out. The reverse is smooth and features a vertical pinback.
Some specimens feature actual silver or silvered copper instead of silvered white metal.

History

The War Honour Decoration, 1917 was instituted to commemorate the 25 anniversary of Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig's reign. It was awarded to Hessian citizens who demonstrated bravery and leadership while serving on the front line for a minimum of two years. The medal was also conferred upon individuals who met the aforementioned criteria and had also sustained wounds in the line of duty.