History

The Military Honour Award for Faithful Service was jointly instituted by Heinrich XI of Reuss-Greiz, Heinrich XLII of Reuss-Schleiz, and Heinrich LIXXII of Reuss-Lobenstein-Ebersdorf, and was conferred upon military personnel from the Reuss principalities who had rendered long and faithful service in the common infantry battalion of Reuss.

The decoration was first awarded in 1843, but the statutes were not written until 1847.

The II Class Silver Cross was conferred upon non-commissioned officers and enlisted men for 25 years of service.

The II Class Silver Cross with Swords was first awarded following the signing of the military convention with Prussia in 1867.