History

The Military Merit Medal was instituted by Prince Georg Wilhelm and was conferred upon soldiers as a mark of special recognition from the prince.

There are multiple versions of the medal associated with different war periods. Each version features unique decorations on the ribbon and an inscription on the rim of the medal.

The silver medal with crossed sabres on the ribbon for 1870/1871 was conferred upon the soldiers of the Westfälische Jägerbataillon Nr. 7 who participated in the campaign against France in 1870/1871.

The silver medal with a red cross on the ribbon was established by Prince Adolf on 25, October 1914 and was conferred upon individuals, regardless of rank, gender, or status, who selflessly cared for soldiers and the families of soldiers during the First World War.