Medal question

[WJT]

Here is my grandfather in 1918. He has a Karl Troop Cross (Karl-Truppen-Kreuz), 1916. I thought this was only awarded to the Army troops.

[Ian]

Hi Bill,

The cross was instituted on 13 December 1916 and awarded until the end of the end of WW Ito soldiers of the Austro-Hungarian Army, regardless of rank, who had been with a combatant unit for at least twelve weeks and who had actually served at the front.  As far as I know this would include members of the K.u.K. Kreigsmarine, especially those of the U-Boat service and the Pilots and Observers of the naval aviation squadrons.

Regards, Ian