Romania Kingdom War Medal of Military Virtue Original
War Medal of Military Virtue. The Medal of Military Virtue was instituted by royal decree on May 17, 1872. The medal is hung from a red ribbon flanked by stripes of light blue. The medal was instituted in two classes: Gold for officers (1st Class) and silver for enlisted men (2nd class). In 1880 the Medal of Military Virtue was reformed by royal decree. Soldiers who had earned the medal during wartime were authorized to turn in their medals for a new’war’ medal (Medalia Virtutea Militara de Razboi). The new medal was in the form of a cross and was awarded for bravery only during wartime. In the center of the cross is a medallion with a bust of Carol I surrounded by the inscription, “Carol I Domunul Romaniei”. On the reverse is the inscription “Virtute Militara”. Beginning in 1918, the medal was awarded exclusively to enlisted men in both grades, and was the highest award for bravery that could be awarded to enlisted soldiers. It was awarded for life to reward either long service or deeds of merit, courage and devotion, but could not be transmitted to others upon the recipient’s death. From my personal collection. The one pictured is the one you will receive.
