Military Merit Cross (Austria-Hungary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Military Merit Cross (Militärverdienstkreuz) |
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Military Merit Cross 1st Class with War Decoration and Swords
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| Type | Decoration in three classes |
| Established | October 22, 1849 |
| Country |  Austria-Hungary |
| Eligibility | Military officers only |
| Status | No longer awarded |
| Grades |
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| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Order of the Iron Crown |
| Next (lower) | War Cross for Civil Merits |
 Ribbon of the decoration |
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The Military Merit Cross was a special award given to military officers in the old Austrian Empire and later in Austria-Hungary. It was created on October 22, 1849, and changed a few times over the years. This award stopped being given out in 1918 when the Austro-Hungarian Empire ended.
Contents
History of the Military Merit Cross
The Military Merit Cross was first created on October 22, 1849. Emperor Franz Joseph I started it, following advice from Field Marshal Count Radetzky. It was meant for officers who showed great bravery in war or excellent service during peacetime.
Early Awards and Changes
The first awards went to officers who served under Count Radetzky. This included those in the Italian campaigns of 1848-49, like the Battle of Custoza and the Battle of Novara. About 1,500 awards were given out in 1849 and 1850.
After these initial awards, the Military Merit Cross was given out less often. It was awarded more during specific wars, such as the Austro-Sardinian War in 1859 and the Austro-Prussian War in 1866.
War Decoration Added
A big change happened on January 12, 1860. The "War Decoration" (Kriegsdekoration) was added. This was a green laurel wreath placed on the cross. It was given for special brave actions during wartime. From then on, awards for wartime service looked different from peacetime awards because of this wreath.
Three Classes of the Cross
Another important change came on September 23, 1914, right after World War I began. The Military Merit Cross was divided into three different levels, or "classes":
- The original cross, worn on the chest, became the 3rd Class.
- A new 2nd Class was created, worn around the neck.
- The highest level, the 1st Class, was a larger cross pinned to the uniform.
This made the Military Merit Cross work more like a special "order" of honor. If someone received a higher class, they could still wear their lower class awards too. Most awards during World War I included the War Decoration because of the ongoing fighting.
Swords and Multiple Awards
On December 13, 1916, another addition was made: swords. These were added to the cross for acts of bravery. For the 3rd Class, the swords were on the ribbon. For the 1st and 2nd Class, they were placed between the arms of the cross itself.
Later, it became possible to receive the 3rd Class award more than once. A second or third award was shown by small silver clasps on the ribbon. A second award of the 2nd Class was also allowed starting in 1918.
Awards to Allies
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, especially those fighting alongside Austro-Hungarians, received the Military Merit Cross.
Special Awards with Diamonds
The Austrian Emperor could also award the Military Merit Cross with Diamonds. This was not a separate class but a very special sign of respect. Most of these went to high-ranking Austro-Hungarian generals and admirals. During World War I, some important allied leaders also received this diamond version.
What the Military Merit Cross Looked Like
The Military Merit Cross was a white cross with red edges. In the middle, it had a white circle with red edges. Inside this circle, the word "VERDIENST" (which means "merit") was written. The War Decoration was a green wreath of laurel leaves placed between the arms of the cross.
The 3rd Class Cross
The 3rd Class cross was worn on a special ribbon. This ribbon had a "laddered" pattern of red stripes with white in between. The cross itself was about 30 millimeters (about 1.2 inches) wide. The central circle was about 13 millimeters (about half an inch) across. The War Decoration wreath was about 3 millimeters wide.
The 2nd Class Cross
The 2nd Class cross was larger and hung from a neck ribbon, which had the same design as the 3rd Class ribbon. This cross was about 40 millimeters (about 1.6 inches) wide. The central circle was about 19 millimeters (about 0.75 inches) across. The War Decoration wreath was 6 millimeters wide.
The 1st Class Cross
The 1st Class cross was the largest. It was pinned to the lower left side of the uniform. This cross was about 61 millimeters (about 2.4 inches) wide. The central circle was also 27 millimeters (about 1 inch) across. The War Decoration wreath was 7 millimeters wide.
Famous People Who Received the Cross
Many important military leaders and figures received the Military Merit Cross. Here are a few:
- Archduke Eugen of Austria - An Austrian general.
- Archduke Friedrich, Duke of Teschen - An Austro-Hungarian field marshal during World War I.
- Archduke Joseph August of Austria - Another Austro-Hungarian field marshal.
- Johann von Appel - An Austrian general and governor.
- Paul von Hindenburg - A German field marshal in World War I.
- Miklós Horthy - An Austro-Hungarian naval officer who later became Regent of Hungary.
- Erich Ludendorff - A German general in World War I.
- Erwin Rommel - A German officer in World War I, who later became a famous field marshal in World War II.
- Mustafa Kemal Atatürk - An Ottoman colonel in World War I, who later became the first President of Turkey.
- Georg von Trapp - An Austro-Hungarian Navy officer, known from "The Sound of Music."
Images for kids
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Military Merit Cross 2nd Class with War Decoration and Swords
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Military Merit Cross 3rd Class with War Decoration and Swords
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