Military Merit Cross (Austria-Hungary) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Military Merit Cross (Militärverdienstkreuz)
Military Merit Cross 1st Class with War Decoration and Swords
Type	Decoration in three classes
Established	October 22, 1849
Country	Austria-Hungary
Eligibility	Military officers only
Awarded for	Military merit and valor
Status	No longer awarded
Grades	Knight Grand Officer Knight Commander Knight
Precedence
Next (higher)	Order of the Iron Crown
Next (lower)	War Cross for Civil Merits
Ribbon of the decoration

Military Merit Cross 2nd Class with War Decoration and Swords

Military Merit Cross 3rd Class with War Decoration and Swords

The Military Merit Cross (German: Militärverdienstkreuz) was a special award given to military officers in the old Austrian Empire. Later, after 1867, it was also awarded in Austria-Hungary. This award was like a medal for bravery and excellent service. It was first created on October 22, 1849, and changed a few times over the years. It stopped being awarded in 1918 when the Austro-Hungarian Empire ended.

History of the Military Merit Cross

How the Award Began

The Military Merit Cross was started on October 22, 1849. It was created by Emperor Franz Joseph I. He followed the advice of a famous military leader, Field Marshal Count Radetzky. The award was meant for officers who showed great courage in wartime. It was also given for outstanding service during peacetime. At first, there was only one type of this award.

The first awards went to officers who fought under Count Radetzky. This was during the Italian campaigns of 1848-1849. Important battles included the Battle of Custoza in 1848 and the Battle of Novara in 1849. About 1,500 awards were given out in 1849 and 1850. After this, the award was given out less often. It was mainly awarded during major conflicts. These included the Austro-Sardinian War of 1859 and the Austro-Prussian War of 1866.

Changes to the Award Over Time

The first big change to the Military Merit Cross happened on January 12, 1860. This is when the "War Decoration" (Kriegsdekoration) was added. This was a green laurel wreath placed between the arms of the cross. It was given for special brave actions during wartime. From then on, awards given during war had this wreath. Awards given during peacetime did not.

Another important change happened on September 23, 1914. This was soon after World War I began. The Military Merit Cross was then divided into three different classes. The original cross, which was worn on the chest, became the 3rd Class. A new neck badge was created as the 2nd Class. A larger cross with a pin on the back became the 1st Class. This made the Military Merit Cross more like a formal order of honor.

If an officer had already received a lower class of the award, they could still wear it if they got a higher class. Most awards during World War I included the War Decoration. This was because of the ongoing war.

More changes came on December 13, 1916. Swords were added to the award for acts of bravery. For the 3rd Class, these were crossed swords on the ribbon. For the 1st and 2nd Class, the swords were placed between the arms of the cross. Later, on August 1, 1917, officers could receive the 3rd Class award a second or third time. Silver clasps were added to the ribbon to show this. A second award of the 2nd Class was also allowed starting February 8, 1918.

Before World War I, it was rare for officers from other countries to receive this award. However, during World War I, it became much more common. Many German officers, who were allies of Austria-Hungary, received the Military Merit Cross.

The Austrian Emperor could also award the Military Merit Cross with Diamonds. This was not a separate class. It was a special sign of high respect. Most of these awards went to top Austro-Hungarian generals and admirals. Some were also given to important allied leaders during World War I.

What the Military Merit Cross Looked Like

Design of the Cross

The Military Merit Cross was a cross shape made of white enamel. It had red enamel edges. In the center of the cross was a round white medallion. This medallion also had red enamel edges. The word "VERDIENST" (which means "merit") was written on it. The word was split into "VER" and "DIENST" to fit. If it had the War Decoration, there was a green enamel wreath of laurel leaves between the arms of the cross.

Different Classes and Sizes

The 3rd Class cross hung from a special ribbon. This ribbon was red with white stripes, similar to the Austrian Bravery Medal. The cross itself was about 30 millimeters (about 1.2 inches) wide. The arms of the cross got wider towards the ends. The center medallion was about 13 millimeters (about 0.5 inches) across. The War Decoration wreath was 3 millimeters wide. During World War I, this wreath was often gold-colored instead of green.

The 2nd Class cross was larger and hung from a neck ribbon. This ribbon had the same design as the 3rd Class. The cross was about 40 millimeters (about 1.6 inches) wide. Its center medallion was 19 millimeters (about 0.75 inches) across. The War Decoration wreath was 6 millimeters wide.

The 1st Class was the largest. It was a cross with a pin on the back. It was worn on the lower left side of the chest. This cross was about 61 millimeters (about 2.4 inches) wide. The arms broadened to 27 millimeters (about 1 inch) at their ends. The center medallion was also 27 millimeters wide. The War Decoration wreath was 7 millimeters wide.

Famous People Who Received the Award

Many important military figures received the Military Merit Cross. Here are a few examples:

• Mustafa Kemal Atatürk - He was an Ottoman colonel during World War I. Later, he became the first President and founder of the Republic of Turkey. He received the 3rd Class with War Decoration in 1916.
• Archduke Eugen of Austria - An Austrian general who received the 1st Class with War Decoration in 1915, and later with Swords and Diamonds in 1917.
• Paul von Hindenburg - A German field marshal in World War I. He received the 3rd Class with War Decoration in 1914, then with Diamonds in 1915, and the 1st Class with War Decoration in 1917.
• Miklós Horthy - An Austro-Hungarian naval officer who later became the Regent of Hungary. He received the 3rd Class with War Decoration.
• Erich Ludendorff - A German general in World War I. He received the 1st Class with War Decoration in 1917.
• August von Mackensen - A German field marshal in World War I. He received the 1st Class with War Decoration and Diamonds in 1915.
• Erich von Manstein - A German officer in World War I, who later became a field marshal in World War II. He received the 3rd Class with War Decoration in 1916.
• Erwin Rommel - A German officer in World War I, who later became a field marshal in World War II. He received the 3rd Class with War Decoration and Swords.
• Georg von Trapp - An Austro-Hungarian Navy officer. He is also known as the father of the famous Von Trapp family.