History

The Order of Military Merit was conferred upon members of the Romanian Armed Forces in recognition of long and meritorious service, but it was permanently suppressed following the collapse of the Socialist Republic in 1989.

Recipients of the I Class Medal were granted a monetary award of 1600 lei (400 USD) and four additional days of paid leave.

There are two versions of the I Class Medal. The first, awarded from 1954-1965, features the crest of the Romanian People’s Republic, while the second, awarded from 1965-1989, features the crest of the Romanian Socialist Republic. Both versions have an obverse inscription that translates to “Military Merit.”

There may be additional versions of the I Class Medal that differ in composition.

See also the Medal of Military Merit in the Medals & Decorations of Romanian People's Republic & Romanian Socialist Republic (1947-1989) for the medal that was created alongside this order.