Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/370

 NASSAU (DUCHY).

MEDALS AND DECORATIONS OF HONOUR.

1. Military Decoration of Honour.—This decoration was founded by Duke Frederick Augustus, to save from oblivion —as the patent says—special deeds of valour, such as saving the life of a comrade, &c., performed by a soldier It consists (Plate 52, Nos. 1 and 2) of a medal, gold or silver, and is destined only for sergeants and those of lower rank It is worn at the button-hole of the regimentals, suspended by a dark brown and sulphur-yellow ribbon. The owner of the silver medal receives with it an addition equal to half of his pay, and the owner of the gold medal, an addition equal to his full pay, in time of peace. The addition is retained even after promotion. The owner of the silver medal is not excluded from the additional reward of the gold medal, if subsequent merit entitle him to it. The medal remains in the family of the recipient after his decease.

2. The Civil Medal of Merit, is distributed in gold and in silver to civil officers for long and faithful service. It also remains with the heirs of the deceased owner.

The impression shows, each time, the effigy and name of the reigning Duke.

3. Military Decoration of Honour, for Service, was founded on the 25th February, 1834 (Nos. 4 and 5). It consists: