History

The War Merit Medal was instituted by Grand Duke Friedrich August on November 21, 1916, and it was conferred upon men and women who rendered distinguished service during the First World War. Such service included caring for the sick and wounded soldiers.

In order to receive the medal, a recipient had to be at least 15 years of age and had to have rendered at least 1 year of work which demonstrated the individual’s patriotism to the fatherland.

On May 9, 1917, the award criteria were changed and individuals without rank or status could also receive the decoration.

Women wore the medal on a bow ribbon.