Physical Description

A straight armed cross pattée constructed of silver and enamels. The arms of the cross are in white enamel with a silver border. The obverse centre bears a circular medallion with the crowned cipher of Ludwig III on a blue enamel background, encompassed by a white enamel border with the inscription "1914" and an open-ended wreath. The reverse centre bears a circular medallion with the inscription “FÜR VERDIENSTE IM KRIEGE” (For Merit in War) on a blue enamel background, encompassed by a white enamel border with a laurel wreath. On a loop for suspension with a black ribbon with white and light blue stripes.

History

The Medical Military Order was established on October 16, 1914 by King Ludwig III. The order was awarded to military Officers who risked their lives to care for the sick and wounded on the battlefield and in war hospitals. The Medical Military Order was the only German award which was created specifically for physicians of the Officer rank during the First World War. It could also be conferred upon non-Bavarian physicians.

Individuals had to apply for the order, and applications were reviewed by a five person committee of Bavarian medical Officers.

The I Class was constructed of gold (after 1918 it was constructed of silver gilt) and worn on a neck ribbon. The II Class was constructed of silver and worn on a breast ribbon. If an individual received the I Class of the order, the II Class had to be returned. Recipients of the Medical Military Order also received a pension; I Class recipients received a pension of 600 marks and II Class recipients received a pension of 300 marks, which was paid until the recipient died.

The Medical Military Order was produced by Gebr. Hemmerle, Munich.