History

The Military Honour Decoration was established by King Wilhelm III. It was awarded in recognition of outstanding bravery during times of war.

The I Class Cross was founded in 1814 and it replaced the Gold Military Merit Medal of 1806; the Silver Military Medal of 1806 became the II Class award, with slight changes in its design.

The Military Honour Medal was awarded in times of war when the Iron Cross was not, such as during the Austro-Prussian War of 1866.

In order to receive the I Class Cross, an individual had to first receive the II Class Medal.

The 1814 model of the cross is identical to the General Honour Decoration, the only difference being the colour of the ribbon.
The Military Merit Cross was suspended from a black ribbon with white stripes. The General Honour Decoration was suspended from a white and orange ribbon.

In 1864, the I Class Cross and II Class Medal underwent a design change. In addition, the criteria to receive the decoration were changed; in order to receive a I Class Cross, an individual did not have to first receive a II Class Medal anymore.

The 1864 version features the obverse inscription “KRIEGS VERDIENST” and bears the crowned cipher of King Wilhelm.

The II Class Medal (1814-c.1825) was awarded approximately 1,200 times. 792 were awarded in 1808/1809, 259 in 1812, and 149 in 1813-1815. This medal is identical to the 1806 Silver Military Merit Medal.