Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/764

Rh MEDALS AND DECORATIONS OF HONOUR. 1. Cross of Military Merit—It was founded by King William, on the 9th September, 1833, and remodelled on the 27th May, 1839, as a reward for twenty-five years loyal service for officers, and for twenty years, for sub-officers and privates (Tab. II. No. 8).

The cross for officers is yellow, and for the second class white. Both are worn upon the left breast by a red ribbon with blue borders. Years of campaign count double.

2. War Medal for Faithful Service in Campaigns.—This medal (Tab. II]. No. 9) is cast of gun metal, and bears upon the obverse a W, with a crown and laurel wreath. It was founded on the 1st January, 1840, by King William. All military persons who have participated in a campaign, or crossed the enemy’s frontier, may lay claim to the medal. Each of the years from 1793 to 1815 (except 1797, 1798, and 1810) is counted as a campaign.

3. Military Medal of Merit.—It appertains to the Military Order of Merit, described above, and illustrated Tab. II. No. 7.

4. The Civil Medal of Merit—It belongs to the Order of the Crown of Wiirtemberg, and is also described above. 5—7. Decorations of Honour for the Campaign of 1814. King Frederick I. founded on the 8th February and 16th August, 1814, three medals:

a. For the victory of Brienne, with the inscription: ‘Konig und Vaterland dem Tapfern’ (The King and the country to the brave), on the obverse, while the reverse shows the words: ‘Für den Sieg am Isten Februar, 1814’ (For the victory of the 1st February 1814), and the crowned initials 'F. R.' within a laurel wreath (Plate 100, Tab. III. No. 10).