History

This cross was awarded to Officers and enlisted men in the Austrian Armed forces in recognition of meritorious service.

The award was only awarded for 4 years, and it was suppressed following the annexation of Austria by Germany in 1938.

The obverse features the image in gilt of the double-headed Austrian eagle.

The Small grades were worn as a less formal version of the full-sized awards.

These grades, also known as Kleine Dekorationen or Small Orders, adopted the form of the III Class Cross with associated ribbon decorations.

The Small I Class Cross has a miniature I Class Cross insignia on the ribbon.