Silvered zinc cross pattée, the stippled arms with ribbed edges, with laurel leaves between the arms and with eyelet and replaced loop for ribbon suspension; the face inscribed ‘kärntner freiheitskampf’ in Gothic script laterally, the upper and lower arms dated ‘1918’ and ‘1919’ respectively; the reverse inscribed ‘für Tapferkeit’ in Gothic script (for Bravery) laterally; on replaced correct trifold ribbon in the colours of the Province of Carinthia. The medal was instituted on 4 November 1919 by the Kärntner Freiheitskämpf (Carinthian Freedom Fighters), a paramilitary organisation set up by former soldiers in the chaos following the end of World War I to maintain order and in particular to resist the incursion into southern Carinthia of Yugoslav forces seeking its annexation. In the event, the situation was stabilised and in a plebiscite (referendum) held on 10 October 1920, the inhabitants voted to become part of the new Austrian Republic. The Medal also exists in a version for merit, the reverse inscribed ‘Verdienst’, and in a first class pin-back form. A very rare award.
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