The Military Merit Cross 1914-1918

The Military Merit Cross was founded on the 22nd of October 1849 by Kaiser Franz Joseph I on the suggestion of Feldmarschall Radetzky von Radetz as a distinction for especially meritorious service by commissioned officers in the face of the enemy. Exceptionally all officers who had participated in the campaigns of the years 1848/1849 were awarded the decoration. The decoration was enhanced in 1860 through the introduction of the War Decoration (Laurel Wreath) for especial actions in the face of the enemy. With the outbreak of the First World War, the decoration was reorganized into three grades on the 23rd of September 1914 with the original MVK becoming the new Third Class. The Second Class was worn at the throat on the white and red ribbon of the Bravery Medal and the First Class was worn without a ribbon on the left breast. Finally the further distinction of the MVK with Golden Crossed Swords was introduced on the 13th of December 1916. The medal itself was manufactured in white enamel with a red enameled border. The obverse bore the motto "Ver dienst" spread over two lines. A fine example of the Second Class Cross in wear can be seen in the illustration of Generaloberst Rudolf Stöger-Steiner von Steinstätten on this site. Like so many of the other Austro-Hungarian decorations of this period, the MVK developed into many differing grades with variations on the type and class of War Decoration. Similarly on the 23rd of April 1918 "Kleine Dekorationen" or service wear versions of the First and Second Class awards were introduced. These took the form of a Third Class award with a miniature of the actual Cross worn on the ribbon. The Kleine Dekoration miniature of the Second Class had a miniature representation of the throat ribbon above the award. Of particular note is the case of a second award of a Second Class MVK introduced on the 8th of February 1918: In this case a further circular Laurel Wreath was attached to the loop of the neck ribbon from which the order was suspended. A link to award statistics may be found at the bottom of this page.

1st Class Cross with War Decoration of the Third Class	2nd Class Cross with War Decoration of the Third Class

The following table lists the 34 variations in general use by the wars end:

Not to mention yet even further variants with Diamonds and Rubies. These were personally bestowed by the Emperor on deserving recipients at the Kaiser's own expense. These were not in fact an higher grade of the order but a token of esteem from the Emperor to honour those already possessing the Award. The original intention was to honour individuals close to Kaiser at the time of Jubilees and like occasions and the practice continued thereafter. I am indebted to Jörg C. Steiner for providing the following information regarding the recipients of these rare honours. The award years show the the year of the original award followed by the special award of the "Brilliants":

1st Class. All with War Decoration, Archduke Eugen with War Decoration and Swords and Generaloberst Bolfras with War Decoration and Swords of the Third Class:

Third Class with War Decoration:

Third Class:

Listed below are the recipients of the First Class Order throughout the period of the First World War and as all the decorations were bestowed during wartime they were awarded with the War Decoration consisting of a circular laurel wreath. Many of the awardees if they did not at the outset receive the Swords with the decoration were subsequently awarded them but this is not recorded in the following chart. The particular fine example in the photograph to the left shows the Militärverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse with the War Decoration and Crossed Swords. It should be borne in mind that although many variations of Awards were indeed authorized including some 34 separate such variations for the Military Merit Cross not all of these were actually issued. Many were manufacturers' proof items only produced for the Kaiser's approval but in reality never awarded. For example a First Class without the War Decoration was produced but none were issued as all awards of the First Class were made in wartime and therefore came with a War Decoration. The "Kleine Dekoration" of an Order was a private purchase item and was not generally issued with the full size Award. 

Plus the two Kaisers;

Award Statistics

1849-1899

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