History

The Life Saving Medal was founded by King Wilhelm II of Württemburg. It was conferred upon individuals who courageously risked their life to rescue others from peril.

Men and women were both eligible to receive the medal. Potential recipients had to be at least 18 years old. If an individual under the age of 18 performed a life-saving act of bravery, they were required to wait until they turned 18 before they could receive the award.

The Silver Medal was awarded for acts of bravery that did not warrant the conferral of a Gold Medal. If a Silver Medal recipient later received the Gold Medal for an additional act of bravery, they were required to return the Silver Medal.

The Silver Medal was awarded 259 times.