Gilt bronze cross barbée, the arms hatched, with laterally pierced loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a central circular medallion bearing the crowned cipher of King Ferdinand; the reverse with a central circular medallion bearing the dates ‘1916’ and ‘1919’; on replaced correct ribbon. The medal was instituted by Royal Decree on 8 July 1918 to be awarded to military and civilians for conspicuous service during the war of 1916-1918. Despite alliances with Germany and Austria-Hungary and a Royal House of German origin, Romania entered World War I on the side of the Triple Entente of Britain, Russia and France, swayed by the promise of Transylvania. German and Austro-Hungarian forces made rapid advances and the Romanian Army suffered devastating defeat. However, the War brought revolution in Russia, defeat for Germany and disintegration for Austria-Hungary and Romania gained not only Transylvania but also Bessarabia and Bukovina. After the end of World War I, Romanian troops were engaged in the incorporation of these territories into Romania, including fierce fighting with the Hungarian Soviet forces of Béla Kun, ultimately occupying Budapest. The original version of the medal was dated ‘1916 1918’; this second, much rarer version was created for those who continued to serve through the momentous events of 1919. A good example.
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