The Patriot Files

Order Polonia Restitua

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:58:50 -0700

by: David

Description: Order Polonia Restitua. Established on February 4th, 1923. Award for merit and acts of bravery. While technically outside the scope of this project. We include the Polonia Restitua as it was a newly created (1923) order to take the place of, and carry on the role of the Order of St. Stanislas (see above). The Order of St. Stanislas had been a native Polish Order, but had been so thoroughly associated with Russia -- the Russians awarded it generously -- that simply reviving it was unacceptable. Instead, the new Order Polonia Restitua was created, but using the same ribbon as the old St. Stanislas order (red with white side stripes) to carry on the tradition. Five classes: Grand cross, worn on sash, accompanied by breast star. Cross worn at neck. Star on right breast Cross worn at neck. Cross on left breast on ribbon with rosette. Cross on left breast, plain ribbon.

The Order "Virtuti M

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:58:21 -0700

by: David

Description: The Order "Virtuti Militari" (for Military Merit) The was established in 1792 by King Stanislaw August Poniatowski of Poland as the highest military decoration for gallantry the Polish nation bestows upon it's soldiers for acts of heroism above and beyond the call of duty. The VIRTUTI MILITARI is functional equivalent to the American Medal of Honor, the German Pour le M?rite, or the British Victoria Cross, being the highest purely military award for gallantry. It came in 5 classes: First Class, Black enamel cross edged in gold, with crown, worn on sash, star on breast. Second Class, Black enamel cross in gold, with crown, worn at the neck. Third Class, Black enamel cross (smaller), no crown. Worn on breast. Fourth Class, Gold cross with black lettering. Worn on breast. Fifth Class, Silver cross with black lettering. Worn on breast.

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The Order of St. Stanisla

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:57:36 -0700

by: David

Description: The Order of St. Stanislaus. First instituted in 1765 by Stanislas Augustus Poniatowski, last king of Poland prior to the partition. The order ranked second only to the White Eagle. Under Russian use, double-headed imperial eagles replaced the Polish eagles between the cross arms. When "Old Russia" fell, and Soviet Russia emerged, all the old orders were dissolved. While the White Eagle and Virtuti Militari were reestablished in the new Republic of Poland, the Order of St. Stanislas was not. Its tradition was taken and continued by a new Polish order: the Polonia Restituta.

Order of the White Eagle

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:56:54 -0700

by: David

Description: Order of the White Eagle (Order Bialego Orla). Instituted by King Wladyslaw I of Poland in 1325. Reorganized by King Augustus II of Poland, Duke of Saxony. It became a Russian Imperial Order following the absorbtion of Poland into Russia in 1831. As a Russian Order, a black, double-headed imperial eagle with outstreached wings was added behind the red and white enameled cross with the white enameled eagle. The badge hung from an Imperial Crown. The Order of the White Eagle was a one-class order. Riband: a sash of dark blue moire worn over the right shoulder. Star: was worn on the left breast. Following the abdication of Czar Nicholas II, the provisional government continued to award Russian orders, though in the case of the Provisional Government's White Eagle, the imperial crown was removed -- replaced by a bow. In 1921, after the restoration of Poland, the White Eagle order was revived as Poland's highest Order.

Medal for Liberation of H

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:56:05 -0700

by: David

Description: Medal for Liberation of Helsinki. Awarded to troops who participated in the liberation of Finland's capital city from "Red" Finn troops who had captured it as part of the Finnish civil war.

Blue Cross

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:55:40 -0700

by: David

Description: Blue Cross. Instituted in 1968, this award would fall well outside this collection, but for the fact that it was made available retroactively to Finns who participated in the civil Guards during the liberation period. It is awarded to all former members of the civil Guards and lotta Sv?rd organization, from 1918 to 1944. The bar "1917-1918" is awarded to people who were in Civil Guards or Lotta & Sv?rd during the Liberation war. The medal is a bronze St. George style cross with blue enamel. In the center of the cross is a sword, point up, atop a white enameled stylized letter S, which stands for "Suojeluskunta" (Civil Guards). Behind the S show the points of a stylized spruce branch. A second grade of the Blue Cross was awarded to people who were not former members of Civil Guards, but had been in some kind of voluntary work with veterans or research of Civil Guards after war. This version of the medal omits the sword and the S, revealing the spruce branch more clearly.

The Medal of Liberty

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:55:15 -0700

by: David

Description: The Medal of Liberty. Associated with the Cross of Liberty and instituted at the same time, on 4 March 1918, by the Senate at Wasa. The medal was created in two classes, the 1st class in silver (blue ribbon with thin white side stripes, the 2nd class in bronze, (scarlet ribbon with broad yellow stripes) for award to noncoms and other ranks for bravery in the field. The obverse shows the head of a crowned Finnish lion, raising a paw holding a sword. Around the edge are the words "URHEUDESTA F?R TAPPERHET" (For Bravery, in Finnish and Swedish). The reverse has a laurel wreath surrounding the text "SUOMEN / KANSALTA / 1918" (From the people of Finland). For medical and nursing services the medals could be awarded with a red cross near the base.

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The Commemorative Medal o

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:54:48 -0700

by: David

Description: The Commemorative Medal of the War of Liberation. Awarded to all who had participated in the war to secure Finland's independance. Instituted on 10 September 1918 by the Finnish Senate in Helsinki, this blackened iron medal was originally decreed to hang from a dark blue ribbon. In order to avoid confusion with the Order of the White Rose's ribbon, General Mannerheim decided on 3 July 1919 to have this medal's ribbon altered and black side stripes were adopted. On the same day a silver heraldic rose was instituted for wearing on the ribbon in case of an award for bravery. The obverse shows the Finnish arms, a crowned rampant lion standing on a curved sword and holding a broken sword in its raised paw. The reverse shows the Cross of Liberty with in each of the upper angles an armoured arm holding a sword (as in the Cross's Military Division suspension). In the lower angles is the year "19 / 18".

Order of the White Rose

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:54:05 -0700

by: David

Description: Order of the White Rose. Instituted by Baron Mannerheim on January 28, 1918. The White Rose could be awarded in war or peace to Finnish citizens or foreigners, for service to the nation of Finland. It could also be awarded for bravery in the field of battle. The White Rose came in five classes: Commander Grand Cross -- Badge worn on sash, star of the order worn too. Commander 1st Class -- Badge worn at neck, slightly smaller star worn too. Commander -- Badge worn at the neck. Knight (or Member) 1st Class -- Badge in gold, worn on chest, hung from ribbon Knight (or Member) -- Badge in sliver, worn on chest, hung from ribbon. The ribbon of the Order of the White Rose was a deep royal blue.

The Cross of Liberty

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:53:33 -0700

by: David

Description: The Cross of Liberty. This is the first Finnish decoration and was instituted on 4 March 1918 (later it became the Order of the Cross of Liberty, Finland's premier award). It had been a suggestion of General Mannerheim to institute this cross to reward bravery or meritorious service during the Finnish War of Liberation. The Cross of Liberty held two divisions : a military (marked with swords on the suspension device) and a civil division and five classes. Furthermore, it could be awarded with brilliants, with oakleaf or, for medical personnel, with a red cross (in the central medallion, 3rd and 4th class only). German General Rudiger von der Goltz, commander of the Baltic Division which aided Mannerheim's White army, was awarded the 1st Class, with diamonds.

Commemorative Cross for V

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:52:34 -0700

by: David

Description: Commemorative Cross for Volunteers. Awarded to those that participated in actions in Slovakia against the Hungarian troops of Bela Kun. This decoration is not for WWI action (Allies vs Central Powers), but to the related struggle for Czechoslovakia's independence immediately afterward. The obverse has a central shield with the Bohemian lion. The reverse carries the inscription: V TEZKYCH DOBACH ("In Hard Times).

Victory Medal

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:52:10 -0700

by: David

Description: Victory Medal. Awarded to all who served during WWI. The obverse of this bronze medal has the customary winged Victory with raised arms, holding an olive branch and a sword point downwards. The reverse shows a shield with the crowned rampant double-tailed lion of Bohemia with the arms of Silesia on its chest. To both sides of the shield are ribbons bearing the dates 1914 and 1919 while the shield is surrounded by small linden leaves. The reverse's edge bears a circle with the legend "SVETOVA VALKA ZA CIVILISACI" (the world war for civilization).

Medal of the Revolution

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:51:46 -0700

by: David

Description: Medal of the Revolution -- Awarded to all volunteers of the Czechoslovak Army who enlisted before the proclamation of the Provisional Government in Paris and to others who had rendered military or political services towards the independance of Czechoslovakia. The bronze medal was instituted by the Provisional Government in Paris on 1 July 1918 and consists of a cross lying on a broad circle. On the obverse cross stands a winged horse with a nude horseman holding a flag. On the riband between the cross arms is the legend "VZHURU NA STRAZ SVOBODNY NA'BODE" (keep good watch, free nations). The reverse has a winged female figure holding a stone block over her head, while at her feet are snakes. On the stone is the text "ZA ZVOBODY" (for liberty). A number of emblems are related to this medal : silver bars for actions and smaller bars indicating the recipient's regiment. Unit Citation emblems are also in evidence. Among the action bars are, for Czechs fighting in France : Alsace, Argonne, Peronne and L.E. (L?gion Etrang?re - the Foreign Legion), for actions in Russia : Zhorov, Bachmac, Sibir (Siberia) and C.D. (Czech Brigade) and for actions in Italy : Doss'Alto and Piave.

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War Cross

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:51:21 -0700

by: David

Description: War Cross. Awarded for individual acts of military valour between 27 July 1914 and 28 October 1918 (later extended to include actions in 1919 against Poland and against Hungary). This bronze medal was instituted on 7 November 1918 and is formed by four overlapping circles. The obverse has in the upper circle the climbing, double-tailed lion of Bohemia, in the left circle the chequered eagle of Moravia, in the right circle the Silesian eagle and in the lower circle three mountains and the double-barred cross of Slovakia. The reverse has the intertwined letters CS (Czechoslovakia) on a background of linden leaves. Functioning somewhat like the French Croix de Guerre, a number of emblems could be attached to the ribbon : For a unit citation in an Army Order, a spray of linden leaves For a unit citation in a Divisional Order, a single linden leaf For an individual citation in an Army Order, a silver star For an individual citation in a Divisional Order a bronze star.

The Mobilisation Cross 19

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:50:25 -0700

by: David

Description: The Mobilisation Cross 1914-1918 (in Dutch : Het Mobilisatiekruis 1914-1918) is a bronze cross instituted on 1 August 1924 by the "National Committee forthe Commemoration of the 1914 Mobilisation" (Nationaal Comit? Herdenking Mobilisatie 1914) and because Queen Wilhelmina accepted the cross offered to her by the committee, this decoration became officially recognized (Army Order of 26 november 1924). It was awarded to those that during the 1st World War had worn an official Dutch uniform (between 4 August 1914 and 11 November 1918), including reservists and civilians which served under military supervision. Obverse : the vertical cross arms have the dates "1914" and "1918" on them, the horizontal ones "AUGUSTUS" and "NOVEMBER". Between the cross arms lie bundles of arrows symbolising the power of unity. Reverse (shown above): the words "MOBILISATIE / VREDE / EER" (Mobilisation, Peace, Honour) in the same lettering as the obverse. There's also a maker's mark at the bottom. On 27 September 1927 an almost identical cross was created: the so-called "White Mobilisation Cross" for civilians who performed distinguished service to the mobilised troops. The reverse is different bearing the words "MOBILISATIE / WAARDERING" (Mobilisation, Recognition) and the ribbon's central blue is replaced by white.

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The Turkish Army Pilot's

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:49:33 -0700

by: David

Description: The Turkish Army Pilot's badge was fashioned after German and Austrian qualification badges of the period. Established in 1914 by a French Officer, the Turkish Air Force came under the command of a German officer, Erich Sarno, after the outbreak of hostilities, and grew steadily during the war years thanks to an influx of German planes and pilots, as well as concerted efforts to train Ottoman pilots and observers. There was also a Navy Pilot and Observer's badge, of a slightly different design.

The Order of Medjid

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:49:10 -0700

by: David

Description: The Order of Medjid, founded in 1852, was the lowest ranking Ottoman order, but nonetheless was considered prestigious. It was frequently awarded to German officers who served in Turkey during WW1. The Order was also bestowed on British subjects well prior to the war for service in Egypt and in the Crimean War. The badge consisted of a silver seven-pointed star, with small crescents and stars between the rays. In the center was a gold (or gilt) medallion with the Sultan's "Toughra," surrounded by a red-enameled gold ring with the words "Zeal, Devotion, Loyalty" in arabic script. The badge is suspended by a red-enameled crescent and star device, on a red ribbon with green borders. The Order came in five classes.

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The Osmanie Order

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:48:48 -0700

by: David

Description: The Osmanie Order, Order of the Ottoman Empire, was founded in 1861. Although not the highest ranking Ottoman order, it was the highest one that most officers of the Great War were likely to see. This Order was also bestowed on British officers (before the Ottoman diplomatic shift towards Germany) for service to the Ottoman empire in Egypt and the Sudan. It consisted of a seven-pointed star in silver with green enamel, and silver rays between the points. The center medallion was red enameled gilt or gold, with a raised crescent around the bottom, and an ornate calligraphic inscription. The badge was suspended by a device in the form of a crescent and star, and used a ribbon of bright green with red border stripes. Military awards of this order bore a pair of crossed sabers superimposed over the star shaped portion of the badge. The Order came in four classes.

The Liyakat Medal

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:48:23 -0700

by: David

Description: The Liyakat Medal was the junior ranking medal in the Turkish system of honors. It resembles a smaller version of the Imtiaz medal, 25mm in diameter. It was also awarded in silver and gold classes, both suspended from a red ribbon with narrow green stripes at the borders. Like the Imtiaz medals of the WW1 period, it used the crossed sabers device for combat awards, and in this form was frequently awarded to German military personnel.

The Imtiaz Medal

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:48:02 -0700

by: David

Description: The Imtiaz Medal was the higher ranking of two medals for meritorious military service awarded by the Ottoman Turkish Government. It was 37mm in diameter, in silver and gold, with a trophy of arms on the obverse and an elaborate arabic inscription on the reverse. The ribbon was half red, half green, with the red on the right. Awards for combat action in WW1 bore a device on the ribbon in the form of crossed sabers, with a bar indicating the Hegira calendar date of 1333 (1914/1915), made from the same material as the medal itself.

The Turkish War Medal

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:47:38 -0700

by: David

Description: The Turkish War Medal of 1915. This medal is referred to by a number of informal names. Commonwealth nations often call it the "Gallipoli Star" even though it was not a campaign medal specifically for that battle. Another informal name is the "Iron Crescent," as it functioned similarly to Prussia's Iron Cross. The medal was given from 1915 until the end of the war, for acts of bravery or merit in action. Recipients of the Imtiaz and Liyakat medal were automatically eligible for this medal. The medal is a star-shaped pin back badge of white metal (not iron), with a raised crescent around the bottom center, and the "Toughra" or monogram of the Sultan in the center. The flat surfaces of the badge were finished in a thin opaque red enamel. The War Medal was worn pinned to the tunic in a manner similar to the Iron Cross, and not suspended from a ribbon. There was a ribbon (red with white side stripes) which was worn in the second button hole (like the Iron Cross 2nd Class) when the star itself was not worn. Because the medal was frequently awarded to German and Austrian personnel who served with the Turkish forces during WW1, many unofficial variants were made in Germany and elsewhere, of varying quality, but usually of higher quality than the originals. This difference in quality had led some early authors to speculate that there were two classes of the War Medal -- poor quality copies for enlisted men, nicer copies for officers. In fact there was only one class.

Commemorative Medal of th

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:46:44 -0700

by: David

Description: Commemorative Medal of the World War. Awarded "with helmet and swords" to soldiers and other combattants or "without helmet and swords" to all other war participants or to the nearest relative of a soldier KIA. This medal was instituted on 26 May 1929 by the Regent, Admiral Horthy. The obverse shows the weapon shield of Hungary surmounted by a crown and, if so awarded, with swords underneath the shield. The reverse bears the text "PRO DEO ET PATRIA / 1914-1918" (for God and Fatherland 1914-1918) and, if so awarded, with a WWI helmet over the dates. In case of the award "without helmet and swords", the ribbon is white with green-red-white side stripes.

Kreigserinnerungsmedaille

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:46:19 -0700

by: David

Description: Kreigserinnerungsmedaille (War Commemorative Medal) Awarded to all who served in the First World War. This medal was instituted on 21 december 1932 and on 10 November 1933 gilt crossed swords were decreed. These were to be attached to the medal's ribbon for those who served under fire at the front, wounded and POW who had behaved with honour. The obverse depicts an eagle with wings opened downwards, standing on an upright shield with the Austrian weapon. Along the lower rim are the words "F?R ?STERREICH" (For Austria). On the reverse, within an oak leaf wreath, the dates "1914-1918".

Tiroler Lanesdenkm

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:45:48 -0700

by: David

Description: Tiroler Lanesdenkm?nze (Tyrol Province Remembrance Medal) Awarded to all Tiroleans whos served in the First World War and also to those who, between 1915 and 1918 participated in defending the Tirol Province (amongst them were German mountain troops). This bronze gilt medal was instituted on 7 February 1928 and awards were stopped end March 1940. During that period some 120,000 were awarded. The obverse shows the Tirolean Eagle and the reverse bears, within an oak leaf wreath, the words "DAS / LAND TIROL / DEN / VERTEIDIGERN / DES / VATERLANDES/ 1914-1918" (The Tirol Province to the Defenders of the Homeland, 1914-1918).

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Austrian Pilots Badge

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:45:20 -0700

by: David

Description: Austrian Pilots Badge: This is the Austro-Hungarian Army pilots badge worn during the early and mid-war years. The badge is of two-piece construction and features gilting and enammeling and is one of the prettiest of WWI avaition badges. In the center is an eagle flying over the landscape and looking for prey. The leaves represent a spray of oakleaves. Several German pilots flying with Austrian units and passing Austrian flight qualifications and examinations wore this badge. Manfred von Richtofen was one of these, and during the early part of his carreer flew observation planes on the Russian front. Following the death of Franz Joseph in 1916, and the ascension of his nephew Karl to the imperial throne, the design of Austrian pilots badges was changed. The new badge, had Karl's cypher in the shield at the bottom and two crowns at the top.

Karl-Truppenkreuz

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:44:57 -0700

by: David

Description: Karl-Truppenkreuz (Karl-Troops Cross) - Awarded to all troops (militias included) who served in the field against an enemy for a minimum of 12 months and participated in at least one battle. The cross was instituted on 13 December 1916 and between 1 July 1917 and 30 June 1918 some 651,000 were struck. The grey metal cross has on its obverse arms the words "GRATI // PRINCEPS ET PATRIA // CAROLVS / IMP. ET REX" (Thanks - Sovereign and Fatherland - Karl, Emperor and King) and on the reverse, on the upper arm the two crowns for Austria and Hungary and the letter "C" (Carolus), on the other arms "VITAM ET SANGVINEM // MDCCCCXVI" (with life and blood - 1916).

Milit

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:44:29 -0700

by: David

Description: Milit?r-Verdienstmedaille (Medal for Military Merit) Often called 'Signum Laudis' from the text on the reverse, this medal was awarded to NCO's and other ranks for exceptional merit in war or peace. Instituted on 12 March 1890 by Emperor Franz Joseph I, it was issued on a plain red ribbon for peace merit, in silver or gilt bronze. On 1 April 1916 Franz Joseph added a higher class, the Large Medal for Military Merit. For merit whilst in view of the enemy, crossed gilt swords were attached to the ribbon and in February 1917 Karl I instituted silvered bars for a second and third award of the small medal, gilt bars for the Large Medal. In November 1916, at the succession to the throne of Karl I, the medals were adapted. The obverse was changed to have the new Emperor's bust and a corresponding text : "CAROLVS D.G. IMP.AVST.REX BOH.ETC. ET REX APOST.HVNG" (see Bravery Medal) and the suspension was altered to have 2 crowns on oak and laurel leafs (Emperor's crown of Austria, King's crown of Hungary). At first the oak and laurel leafs were repeated on the reverse, later in the war the suspension's reverse was plain. The reverse itself bears the words "SIGNVM / LAUDIS" (sign of esteem) within an oak and a laurel branch.

Eisernes Verdienstkreuz

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:43:55 -0700

by: David

Description: Eisernes Verdienstkreuz (Iron Cross for Merit) Awarded to soldiers or civil servants of lower rank for merit. This decoration was instituted on 1 April 1916 and could be awarded with or without an imperial crown. For service at the front, gilt swords attached to the ribbon were instituted on 13 December 1916. The cross could be suspended on the ribbon of the Bravery Medal in case of war merit or on a plain red ribbon for merit in times of peace. Awards of the latter kind were apparently never made. The obverse has a central medaillion in which the imperial monogram "FJ" (Franz Joseph) is placed within an inner circle bearing the motto "VIRIBUS UNITIS" (by united forces). The reverse (shown in the enlargement) bears the year of institution '1916' within a stylised wreath. The larger part of recipients of this decoration can be found among members of the medical corps, the field railroad corps and the military postal services.

Verwundetenmedaille

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:43:28 -0700

by: David

Description: Verwundetenmedaille (Wound Medal) Awarded to members of the Army or Navy who were wounded in battle. This medal in grey metal bears, on the obverse, the head of Emperor Karl and has along the upper rim his name 'CAROLVS'. The reverse (shown in the enlargement) has the text "LAESO / MILITI" (to the military wounded) and below "MCMXVIII" (1918 in Roman figures). The medal was instituted on 12 August 1917 but only struck in 1918 which explains the year on the reverse. According to the number of wounds received, the ribbon has 1 to 5 central red stripes, bordered black.

Tapferkeits Medaille

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:43:04 -0700

by: David

Description: Tapferkeits Medaille (Bravery Medal) Awarded to non-commissioned officers and other ranks for a deed of bravery in war. This medal was instituted on 19 July 1789 in 3 classes : the Gold Medal, the Large Silver Medal (also called 1st Class Silver Medal) and the Small Silver Medal (2nd Class Silver Medal). On 14 February 1915 a Bronze Medal (50% bronze, 50% gunmetal) was added. During the 1st World War two types of the "Tapferkeits- Medaille" were issued : a first type bearing, on the obverse, the bust of Emperor Franz Joseph I with the text "FRANZ JOSEPH I V.G.G. KAISER V. OESTERREICH" (Franz Joseph I, by the grace of God, Emperor of Austria) and on the reverse, within a laurel wreath with crossed flags at the bottom, the words "DER / TAPFERKEIT" (For Bravery, in German) and a second type, issued after Franz Joseph's death in November 1916, bearing, on the obverse, the bust of Emperor Karl with the text "CAROLVaS D.G. IMP. AVST. REX BOH. ETC. ET REX APOST. HVNG." (Karl, by the grace of God, Emperor of Austria, King of Bohemia etc. and Apostolic King of Hungary). The reverse is similar to the first type but for the word "FORTITVDINI" (For Bravery, in Latin). On 29 November 1915 bars, trapeze form and in rustless iron, were installed for subsequent awards of the same class. An order of 15 September 1917 made officers also eligible, under special conditions, for the Gold or Silver Classes and in those cases a gilt or silver "K" was affixed to the ribbon. By mid March 1918 the Vienna Mint had struck, during the war, some 950,000 bronze, 384,000 small silver 2nd Class, 143,000 large silver and 3,700 gold medals.

Milit

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:42:13 -0700

by: David

Description: Milit?r-Verdienstkreuz (Cross for Military Merit) Awarded to officers, in peace time, for distinguished service through zeal and perseverance, in war time for valour and fine leadership. The cross, in white enamel with red enamel borders, was originally instituted on 21 October 1849 by Emperor Franz Joseph I and in 1860 the "Kriegsdekoration" (War Decoration), a gilded laurel wreath appearing between the arms of the cross, was added for distinction in action. On 23 September 1914 the decoration was reorganized into three classes : 1st Class becoming a breast pin cross (only for general officers commanding at least an army corps), 2nd Class a neck badge 3rd Class a breast badge. On 13 December 1916 crossed gilt swords to be attached on the ribbon were instituted while from 1 August 1917 onwards, subsequent awards of the 3rd Class could be identified by trapeze shaped, gilt bars. The obverse medaillon of the cross bears the word "VER / DIENST" (Merit), the reverse is in plain white enamel.

The Royal Hungarian Order

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:41:45 -0700

by: David

Description: The Royal Hungarian Order of St. Stephen - Established in 1764 by the Empress Maria Theresa (acting as Queen of Hungary) for award to her -noble - Hungarian subjects for civil merit. There was no military application of this order. It is rare, but we include it here for identification, in case it shows up in portraits. The Order came in the usual three grades, worn in the usual manner. The ribbon of the Order was violet with two small dark green side stripes.

The Austrian Order of the

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:41:22 -0700

by: David

Description: The Austrian Order of the Iron Crown - This was the the most commonly awarded Austrian Order during the Great War era. During the latter part of the war, the Order of the Iron Crown functioned as an officer's bravery award. Unlike most orders, it came to be awarded more than once to the same recipient -- taking on more the characteristics of a bravery - medal - than a chivalric - Order-. Originally an Italian Order (the Coronne de Fer), the Iron Crown came into Austrian use when Austria resumed control of Northern Italy in 1815 following the defeat of Napoleon's forces. Like many other chivalric orders, there was originally to be limited membership: 20 First Class, 30 Second and 50 Third Class, but the number greatly increased with time. Even though Austria lost most all her Italian territories in the various "little" wars between 1859-70 , Austria retained use of the Iron Crown as an "all purpose" order. The First Class emblem was larger than the other two and worn in ceremonial occasions on a golden yellow sash with two thin blue stripes near the edges, shown here in a 19th cent. engraving.The Second Class emblem was larger than the Knight's and worn from the neck, as seen here. The Third Class, or Knight's, was worn on the breast from the yellow and blue ribbon.

The Austrian Imperial Leo

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:40:55 -0700

by: David

Description: The Austrian Imperial Leopold Order - Established by Emperor Francis I in 1808 in honor of his father, Leopold, who reigned as Emperor for only two years. The Order was intended to provide the Empire with an order that was a bit more 'available' than the existing senior orders (see above) at the time. The Knights Grand Cross were also addressed by the Emperor (as Grand Master of the Order) as "Cousin" as with Grand Cross members of the St. Stephen Order. Collars and insignia were returnable upon death of the member, the collar to the Grand Master and the insignia to the Registar. The badge consists of a red enameled cross, with white enamel edging. In the medallion at the center of the cross are the initials FJA, in gold, on a red enamel background. In the ribband is the text "INTEGRITATE ET MERITO". The ribbon of the Order is red with two thin white edge stripes. There were three grades: Knight Grand Cross, (19th cent. engraving of obverse, and reverse) Knight Commander and Knight Ordinary.

The Military Order of Mar

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:40:22 -0700

by: David

Description: The Military Order of Maria Theresa. Founded by the Empress Maria Theresa on 22 June 1757 as a reward for merit for senior military officers. The order was to be granted as a reward for acts of military valor and to perpetuate the memory of the brave officers receiving it. An officer had to command in a battle or a unit in a winning action to be eligible for the higher grades. For even the lowest class (Knight) an officer had to perform highly significant feats of valor and extreme devotion to duty, to be considered for the Order . With such strict requirements, the Order was sparingly awarded. As with many high orders the decoration was to be returned to the Chancellery of the Order on the death of the holder. Like most Austrian Orders, it came in three classes or grades: Knights Grand Cross: worn from the neck, or on an equal-striped red/white/red sash for more formal occasions. Included a breast star. Image of Franz Josef wearing Grand Cross. Knights Commander: cross worn from the neck. Knights: cross worn on left breast, suspended from its ribbon. Since the mid 1800s, the ribbons of Austrian awards were folded in a distictive triangular (dreiecks) shape. It was peculiarly Austrian but also copied by some nations under her cultural or military influence.

The Order of the Golden F

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:39:50 -0700

by: David

Description: The Order of the Golden Fleece - One of the most ancient of chivilaric knighthood orders. The Order was of such limited membership as to lie outside this study, but is included here for identification. - Established in 1430 by Duke Phillip III of Burgundy, the Order came be an Austrian Order (or more properly, a Habsburg Order) when Maximillian of Habsburg (husband of Marie, Phillip's granddaughter) became Sovereign of the Order. Membership was always stricly limited, and usually only extended to members of the Imperial family and the highest of the nobility in Austria and abroad. As with other ancient knighthood orders, this Order comes in only one grade. The badge, a gold 'fleece' suspended from a highly stylized "B" (for Burgundy) was worn from the neck on a scarlet ribbon. Following the split in the Habsburg house into Spanish and Austrian branches, there came to be both an Austrian Order and a Spanish Order. Both are still in existence today. One had to be Catholic and of good character to receive it. Except for Imperial archdukes and foreign nobility it was usually only given late in life as a reward for a lifetime of service to the Imperial family. The last Habsburg emperor, Karl (1916-1918), awarded seven knighthoods to the order after he was removed as Emperor and before his death in 1922. Karl's grandson, Otto, presides as Sovereign of the Order today.

Merit Cross for War Aid

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:38:07 -0700

by: David

Description: Merit Cross for War Aid (Das Verdienstkreuz f?r Kriegshilfe). War metal cross with on the obverse medallion the intertwined letters WR (Wilhelm Rex, Wilhelm King of Prussia). The reverse medallion bears the text: "F?R / KRIEGS- / HILFSDIENST". The cross was awarded to men and women, irrespective of rank or status, for special merit connected with patriotic war aid. It was instituted by King Wilhelm II of Prussia on 15 December 1916. The first recipient (after the King himself) was Field Marshall von Hindenburg.

German Army Wound Badge

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:37:42 -0700

by: David

Description: German Army Wound Badge. During the summer of 1918, almost 4 years after the start of the war, the German Army authorized the design and distribution of an official badge that could be worn by those military personnel wounded during the war. The badge came in three grades "black" for 1 or 2 wounds, "silver" for 3-5, and in "gold" for those that permanently crippled or disfigured or having been wounded more than 5 or more times. The Army design features a "Stahlhelm" or steel helmet in the center, surrounded by a spray of oakleaves. The Navy authorized a similar design at the same time, but with a large fouled anchor in the center instead of a helmet.

The Prussian Observers Ba

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:37:17 -0700

by: David

Description: The Prussian Observers Badge, like the Pilot's Badge described above, the Observer's Badge was not strictly an achievement award. Observers training was longer and more rigorous than pilot training, so the Observer's Badge carried a status somewhat akin to an achievement award. It features an enameled Prussian "signal flag" in the center, surrounded by a red border, and fixed to abackground piece with a "starburst" design with a spray of laurels and oakleaves. The Prussian crown surmounts the design. German aviation obervers were almost always officers while during the early war years, pilot were frequently enlisted personnnel and ordered where to go and how to fly by the officer. The Kingdom of Bavaria had a coresponding badge for its own observers and is not shown here.

The Prussian Pilot's Badg

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:36:55 -0700

by: David

Description: The Prussian Pilot's Badge. While the Pilot's Badge was more of skills insignia and not strictly an awardIt was not automatic that a new pilot would be issued his badge upon completion of flight training. During the war, a man was expected to have completed some actual combat flying before his Pilot's Badge would be awarded. Many pilots flew active combat missions without having been 'awarded' their Pilot's Badge.

Order of the Crown

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:36:32 -0700

by: David

Description: Order of the Crown. Instituted in 1861, the Order of the Crown was Prussia's lowest ranking order of chivalry, although it still held considerable status. As with most European orders of the time, it could only be awarded to commissioned officers (or civilians of approximately equivalent status), but there was a medal associated with the order which could be earned by non- commissioned officers and enlisted men. This order was not frequently awarded for combat actions during the war, although awards "with swords" were made in great numbers to military personnel, for general merit. Shown above is the 4th class badge, with gilt cross arms. The higher grades had white enamel arms.

Order of the Red Eagle

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:36:09 -0700

by: David

Description: Order of the Red Eagle. In the 1700s, the Order of the Brandenburger Red Eagle, passed in the Prussian Orders system, eventually settling just below the Pour le M?rite in prestige. Prior to the First World War, the Order of the Red Eagle (with Grand Cross, & 4 classes ) was awarded to recognize valor in combat or excellence in military leadership. It was, as with the Order of the Crown and other Prussian orders, both a military and a civil award, with the addition of crossed swords to indicate a military award. The 1st Class badge differed from the lower classes in that it was a white enameled maltese cross with red and gold eagles between the arms. The lower classes' badge was the flat-ended St. George style cross, without eagles. During World War I, award of the Red Eagle Order was limited somewhat in order to preserve its prestige. The 3rd and 4th classas were awarded only 116 times. (Click here to see a 4th Class cross, w/o swords and with the order's peacetime ribbon). Manfred von Richtofen, the famed "Red Baron," received the third class of the order with both crown and swords- an unusually high honor for a mere captain, even if he was a hero and a baron. There was also a medal of the order, which could be awarded to enlisted men and non-commissioned officers.

Royal Hohenzollern House

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:35:46 -0700

by: David

Description: Royal Hohenzollern House Order, as its name implies, was not so much a Prussian order as an order of the Prussian ruling family, the Hohenzollerns. Nonetheless, this order earned an important place in the heirarchy of Prussian military awards of the First World War. The knight's cross of this order became a bridge to the considerable gap between the Iron Cross, first class, and the Pour le Merite for recognizing heroism., while the Crown Order and Red Eagle (logical choices) remained fairly exclusive. There was also a "member's cross" of the order which was available to non-commissioned officers, but was rarely awarded. When awarded for duty in a combat unit or for combat operations, the decoration had swords between the arms of the cross. There were over 8,000 awards made during World War I, the vast majority of them knight's crosses.

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Pour le M

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:35:23 -0700

by: David

Description: Pour le M?rite. The "Blue Max" is among the most famous decorations of all time. It was Prussia's highest military award, given not for individual acts of gallantry, but for repeated and continual gallantry in action. Although the Pour le M?rite has a civilian version (still awarded to this day), it is almost considered to be an entirely different decoration. The award could be made with a golden oak leaves device on the suspension ring - a distinction added for exceptional merit, usually to recipients of high rank. There was also a Grand Cross of the order, but it was not used during World War I. There were 1,687 awarded during the First World War, 122 with oak leaves. The Pour le M?rite was different than many bravery awards in that it could not be awarded posthumously. The recipient needed to be alive. Many German servicemen died while the paperwork for their Blue Max was being considered and as such were never 'credited' with the award even though they might have been had they lived. Also, unlike other awards, the Pour le M?rite was to be worn whenever the recipient was in uniform and not just on dress occasions. For that reason, many Blue Max crosses show signs of considerable wear and tear.

Iron Cross

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:34:54 -0700

by: David

Description: Iron Cross. Originally created in 1813 by King Fredrick III during Prussia's period of 'blood and iron' -- their struggle for survival against Napoleon. The award was to supersede all other bravery awards and only during times of war. The Iron Cross was re-issued during the Franco-Prussina war (1870-71). The 1914 Iron Cross was established in three classes: second class, first class (shown above), and Grand Cross. The Grand Cross was of the same design, but physically larger and worn at the neck. In 1916, the grand cross was augmented with a breast star, which was bestowed upon only one recipient - Field Marshall Von Hindenburg. The second class and Grand Cross are suspended from a black and white ribbon, while the first class is a pinback badge worn on the left side of the uniform. The second class cross was usually only worn in dress uniform - at all other times it was represented by its ribbon looped through the second buttonhole of the tunic. There were approximately 218,000 awards of the first class during WWI, and over 5,000,000 of the second class. There were only five recipients of the Grand Cross, including Hindenburg, and of course, the Kaiser himself.

Order of the Black Eagle

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:34:18 -0700

by: David

Description: Order of the Black Eagle, was the highest chivalric order in Prussia. Founded in 1701 by Friedrich I, the Black Eagle Order was not awarded for merit in the same sense as the Pour le M?rite, but was a "Collar" order with very limited membership, granted by the King of Prussia. The Black Eagle figures into the Great War very little, since it was granted only to royalty and high heads of state, such as Kaiser Wilhelm, his sons, and Field Marshall von Hindenburg. We include it here for two reasons: (1) You may see it worn at the neck in formal pose photographs of the men named above, and wonder if it was a variant of the Pour le M?rite (it isn't), and (2) The strong similarity of the design with the more familiar Pour le M?rite (Prussia's highest gallantry award) can easily be seen.

Das Baltenkreuz

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:32:00 -0700

by: David

Description: Das Baltenkreuz (Baltic Cross) Awarded to the members of the Baltic militia (Landeswehr) and the German volunteer units in the Baltic area that, before 1 July 1919, had been for at least 3 months "under fire" (i.e. on active service and having participated in fighting) in the Baltic countries. It is a black oxydized metal cross with a gilt 'Hochmeister" of the German Knighthood Order cross, ending in lilies, on top of it. The reverse is plain. There was only one "class" of this award, but it could be worn as either a breast pin or from a white ribbon with a central blue band and blue stripes near the ribbon's edge. This gives rise to some notations as the ribbon-hung issue being a "2nd Class", similar to the Iron Cross, but there was only the one class. The Baltic cross was instituted in the summer of 1919 by the "Baltische Nationalausschu?" in commemoration of the Baltic liberation fights in 1918-19 (in S?dlivland and Kurland). This Nationalausschu? was the political representation of the German Baltic population in Latvia at the time. In total 21,839 crosses were issued. It was only on 16 May 1933 that the Baltic Cross was officially recognized as an offical German award.

Das Ehren- und Erinnerung

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:31:37 -0700

by: David

Description: Das Ehren- und Erinnerungskreuz des Marinekorps Flandern (Honor and Remembrance Cross of the Navy Corps, Flanders) also referred to as "Flandernkreuz". This was a non-official decoration awarded during the Weimar Republic, most likely as a commemorative token to members of the Navy Corps stationed on the Flemish coast in Belgium. This bronze cross has crossed swords between the cross's arms and has on the obverse a central medaillon with, within a laurel wreath, an anchor on the letter "W" (Emperor Wilhelm) and an emperor's crown on top. The cross's arms bear the text "Zur See / Unbe- / siegt / Im Felde" which should be read : Zur See, Im Felde, unbesiegt (on the seas, in the field, unvanquished). The reverse has the "Kriegsflagge", the German Navy Battle Flag, in the laurel wreathed medaillon and a Flemish lion in the upper cross arm. The remaining arms have the text "MARINE- / KORPS - 1914/18". The ribbon is in the then German national colours.

Das Deutsche Feldehrenzei

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:31:07 -0700

by: David

Description: Das Deutsche Feldehrenzeichen (German Field Decoration). This was a non-official decoration awarded during the Weimar Republic. On a background of grey metal rays lies a white enamel cross with gilt crossed swords between the cross's arms. The gilt rimmed medaillon in grey metal shows a fully packed soldier. The pin backed reverse had the following text : "Deutsches / Feld - Ehren - Zeichen / Ges. / Gesch. / e.O. / Hamburg 11" (German Field Decoration, legally protected, ?)

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Das Kolonialabzeichen

David — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:30:41 -0700

by: David

Description: Das Kolonialabzeichen. The Colonial Badge, also called Elephantenorden (Elephant's Order). Awarded to all German colonials who, during the 1st WW and in the former German colonies, were acting or serving on behalf of the colonies. This silvered badge made of copper or aluminium has on the obverse a palm tree and an elephant. The lower part of the badge is covered with oak leaves and around the upper rim are the place names "S?DSEE * AFRIKA * KIAUTSCHOU" referring to the larger areas where German colonies were situated. The pin backed reverse has only the text "GES. GESCH?TZT NR. 33992" (Legally protected Nr. 33992). This official decoration was instituted in October 1921 and was to be purchased by the recipient. By 21 November 1936 some 8,000 were issued and it is safe to assume that few later awards took place.