Physical Description

A circular medal with a raised border, constructed of silver. The obverse features the left-facing portrait of Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig with the circular inscription ‘ERNST LUDWIG GROSSHERZOG VON HESSEN’. The reverse features a wreath of laurel on the left and oak leaves on the right, tied at the bottom by a ribbon, with the inscription ‘FÜR TAPFERKEIT’ in the centre. On a loop for suspension, on a light blue ribbon with red borders.
Beginning in 1902, the ribbon changed to light blue with two broad red side stripes.

History

The General Honour Decoration was established by Grand Duke Ludwig II on September 25, 1843, but was never awarded before his death in 1848. His son, Ludwig III created statutes for the medal on November 14, 1849.

The Medal was conferred upon individuals for outstanding civil merit, praiseworthy actions, and extraordinary accomplishments.

The medals feature a variety of obverse inscriptions.

The medal with obverse inscription “FÜR TAPPFERKEIT” (for bravery) was awarded for war merit. The medal was only conferred upon active military personnel who rendered outstanding service under enemy fire. An accompanying metal clasp with the date “21.1.1916” could be awarded with this medal. The clasp commemorated the 125th anniversary of the establishment of Infantry Regiment “Prinz Carl” Nr. 118 (4. Großherzoglich Hessisches).

The medal with the obverse inscription “FÜR KRIEGSVERDIENSTE” (for war merit) was conferred upon individuals who served in non-combative roles behind the front line or on the home front.

As of 1917, the medal with the obverse inscription “FÜR KRIEGSVERDIENSTE” was also conferred upon individuals, who participated in the wars of 1870/1871, as well as individuals who had received the I Class Iron Cross. It was also awarded to commanders of district commando units and individuals who had previously rendered outstanding merit.

The Type III medals feature the portrait of Ernst Ludwig on the obverse.