Pour le Mérite Facts for Kids

The Pour le Mérite

The Pour le Mérite was a very important military medal from Prussia, a powerful kingdom in Germany long ago. People also called it the Blue Max (German: Blauer Max). It was the highest award for bravery and leadership given by Prussia until the end of World War I.

What Was the Pour le Mérite?
- A Look at the Medal
- Who Received the Blue Max?
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What Was the Pour le Mérite?

The Pour le Mérite was Prussia's top military award. It was given to soldiers for showing great courage and leadership. This medal was like a special badge of honor. It showed that the person who received it had done something truly amazing for their country.

A Look at the Medal

The medal itself was a blue enamel cross with golden eagles between its arms. It had the words "Pour le Mérite" written on it, which means "For Merit" or "For Achievement" in French. It also had the letter "F" for King Frederick the Great and a crown. The medal hung from a black ribbon with silver stripes.

Who Received the Blue Max?

The Pour le Mérite was first created in 1740 by King Frederick the Great.
At first, it was given for both military and civilian achievements.
But by 1810, it became a medal only for military heroes.
Many famous pilots, like Manfred von Richthofen (the "Red Baron"), received this medal during World War I.
It was given to officers who showed exceptional bravery in battle.
The medal stopped being awarded when World War I ended in 1918.