History

The Wilhelm Cross was instituted on September 13, 1915 by King Wilhelm II of Württemberg. The cross was conferred upon individuals who did not directly participate in the fighting of the First World War, and instead rendered service that benefited the public welfare during that time.

The decoration was established in two grades, a I Class Cross (with pinback, swords, and crown) and a II Class that could be awarded with or without swords. The II Class Cross with Swords was awarded to military personnel who did not serve at the front. The II Class without Swords was awarded to civilians who served in a voluntary capacity during the war. The II Class Cross with swords was first conferred upon officers who did not serve at the front during the war.

The I Class Cross was only conferred upon individuals who had previously received the II Class Cross. It is estimated that the I Class Cross was awarded around 121 times. 108 of these recipients were citizens of Württemberg.