History

The Military Merit Cross was originally founded by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II and was conferred upon military personnel, regardless of rank, for demonstrating bravery during specific military campaigns and wars.

The Type V crosses were conferred to reward meritorious service rendered during the Franco-Prussian War.

In 1870, it was determined that the cross could be rewarded for merit that was not strictly related to active combat.

The combatant ribbon is light blue, with purple and green stripes along each exterior edge.

The non-combatant ribbon is red, with green and light blue stripes along each exterior edge. It is the same ribbon as the ribbon of the House Order of the Wendish Crown.

The II Class Cross was also awarded to women. In this case it was worn on a bow ribbon, with a red centre, and green and white stripes along each exterior edge.