History

The Friedrich August Cross was founded by Grand Duke Friedrich August on September 24, 1914, and it was conferred upon citizens of the Grand Duchy who rendered distinguished civil and military service during the First World War.

The ribbon may be decorated with a bar reading "VOR DEM FEINDE", which translates to, "in front of the enemy". The bar adds additional value to the medal.

When the medal was conferred to recognise civil services, the ribbon was red, with blue and red stripes at either exterior edge.

When the medal was conferred to recognise military services, the ribbon was blue, with red and blue stripes at either exterior edge.

Women who received the cross for homefront service wore it on a bow ribbon.