Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of silver. The obverse features the inscription ‘VERDIENST IM KRIEGE’ (‘for merit in war’), surrounded by a laurel wreath that is tied at the bottom by a ribbon. The reverse features the crowned, mirrored, and intertwined monogram ‘G’ with the date ‘1914’ underneath. On a loop for suspension, on a yellow ribbon with a blue centre stripe and blue side stripes, and on a blue ribbon with narrow yellow edges for merit at the home front.

History

The War Merit Medal was first instituted in Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt and Schwarzburg-Sondershausen on October 21, 1870. The medal was renewed by Prince Günther of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt and Sondershausen on August 21, 1914. The decoration was conferred upon citizens of both princedoms who rendered exceptional service during the First World War.

The medal was not strictly conferred upon military personnel who fought on the front lines. It was also conferred upon individuals who did not have the opportunity to fight the enemy and instead demonstrated loyalty and merit by fulfilling the duty they were assigned to do. The medal was conferred to combatants on the Honour Cross ribbon, and it was conferred to non-combatants on a blue ribbon with yellow stripes.