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 ‘1918’; 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.
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