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How many grades of the Medal for Bravery existed?

During the Great War, the Austrian army used four main grades to honor different levels of courage. These grades were Bronze, Silver 2nd Class, Silver 1st Class, and the very rare Gold Medal. This system allowed leaders to recognize thousands of soldiers for their hard work and bravery. It ensured that even the most extreme acts of heroism were rewarded properly by the empire.

Could officers earn this medal?

For a long time, only regular soldiers and non-commissioned officers could win this award. In 1917, Emperor Karl I decided that officers should also be allowed to receive it for their service. To tell them apart, officers wore a small golden or silver bar on the ribbon. This change meant that leaders on the front lines were finally honored for the risks they took.

What shape is the ribbon folded into?

The ribbon for the Medal for Bravery was always folded into a neat triangle. This triangular fold was the standard look for almost all medals given out by the Austrian Empire. It made the decorations look unique and easy to see on a soldier's uniform. Thousands of soldiers wore this triangle on their chests during the difficult years of the war.

Whose portrait was on the medal during World War I?

The picture on the front of the medal changed based on who was leading the empire at the time. Early in the war, the medals featured the face of the long-serving Emperor Franz Joseph I. After he died in 1916, the medals were updated to show the face of the new leader, Emperor Karl I. Wearing the Emperor's face showed everyone that the soldier was a loyal protector of the country.

Is this medal still awarded today?

No, the medal is no longer given to anyone because the empire it served ended in 1918. After the Great War, the country changed, and the old system for giving out medals stopped. Even though it is not used anymore, it is still a very famous part of history. Today, collectors and students look at these medals to remember the bravery of soldiers from long ago.

How many grades of the Medal for Bravery existed?

During the Great War, the Austrian army used four main grades to honor different levels of courage. These grades were Bronze, Silver 2nd Class, Silver 1st Class, and the very rare Gold Medal. This system allowed leaders to recognize thousands of soldiers for their hard work and bravery. It ensured that even the most extreme acts of heroism were rewarded properly by the empire.

Could officers earn this medal?

For a long time, only regular soldiers and non-commissioned officers could win this award. In 1917, Emperor Karl I decided that officers should also be allowed to receive it for their service. To tell them apart, officers wore a small golden or silver bar on the ribbon. This change meant that leaders on the front lines were finally honored for the risks they took.

What shape is the ribbon folded into?

The ribbon for the Medal for Bravery was always folded into a neat triangle. This triangular fold was the standard look for almost all medals given out by the Austrian Empire. It made the decorations look unique and easy to see on a soldier's uniform. Thousands of soldiers wore this triangle on their chests during the difficult years of the war.

Whose portrait was on the medal during World War I?

The picture on the front of the medal changed based on who was leading the empire at the time. Early in the war, the medals featured the face of the long-serving Emperor Franz Joseph I. After he died in 1916, the medals were updated to show the face of the new leader, Emperor Karl I. Wearing the Emperor's face showed everyone that the soldier was a loyal protector of the country.

Is this medal still awarded today?

No, the medal is no longer given to anyone because the empire it served ended in 1918. After the Great War, the country changed, and the old system for giving out medals stopped. Even though it is not used anymore, it is still a very famous part of history. Today, collectors and students look at these medals to remember the bravery of soldiers from long ago.

Home Library AustriaMedal for Bravery

Valor decoration

Medal for Bravery

A world-famous award presented to front-line soldiers for fearless personal bravery in battle.

Austria Established 1789 All servicesPrecedence: Highest enlisted combat valor decoration in Austrian military service during the Great War

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for conspicuous bravery and daring conduct facing the enemy during wartime combat.

Eligibility

Enlisted soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and later commissioned officers of the armed forces.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Highest enlisted combat valor decoration in Austrian military service during the Great War

Medal for Bravery, Valor decoration, Austria medal

History

First instituted in 1789 by Emperor Joseph II, the Medal for Bravery served as Austria's principal combat valor decoration through the end of World War I in 1918. It was designed so enlisted soldiers and non-commissioned officers could be rewarded for heroics under fire.

During World War I, the award was expanded into four classes: Golden, Silver 1st Class, Silver 2nd Class, and Bronze. Emperor Karl I also authorized officers to receive the Golden and Silver classes with an added golden or silver bar on the ribbon.

Hundreds of thousands of soldiers received this decoration during ferocious combat in the Alps, Galicia, and Italy. After the empire fell in 1918, the medal ceased to be issued, but it remains one of the most famous bravery awards in Austrian history.