Physical Description

A George’s cross with Maltese cross style arms, constructed of gold and enamel. The arms are enamelled in white with narrow golden edges. In between the tips of the 12 o’clock arm are an eyelet and loop with an oak leaf attached to the loop on the obverse. The obverse centre medallion is enamelled in red and features the crowned golden monogram ‘GV’. The medallion ring is doubled, smooth, and golden. The reverse is similar, except that the centre medallion is golden, pebbled, and blank. On a loop for suspension, on a white ribbon with side stripes of equal parts yellow, red, and black (from inside to outside).

History

The Military Merit Cross was originally founded by Prince George Victor in 1854. The cross was awarded to officers who rendered 25 years of meritorious service in Waldeck’s army. Originally, separate awards were issued to officers from Waldeck and officers from foreign countries.

The obverse of the cross features the initials “GV” surmounted by a crown. The cross for Waldeck officers features the service years in Roman numerals on the reverse, the cross for foreign officers features a blank reverse.

This version of the Military Merit Cross was discontinued in 1861 following the signing of a military convention with Prussia. The cross was redesigned in 1861 by Prince George Victor, who added surmounting oak leaves to the suspension of the I Class Cross. In addition, he also expanded the Military Merit Cross to include a II Class Cross in 1861 and a III Class Cross in 1878.

The I Class Cross was awarded to officers.
The II Class Cross was awarded to non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel from 1861 to 1878. After 1878, the II Class was only awarded to non-commissioned officers due to the creation of the III Class Cross, which was awarded to enlisted personnel.

On March 28, 1896, the prince decreed that the Military Merit Cross would be discontinued.