Verdienst Kreuz....How Low Did They Go?

[filfoster]

Most summaries of this medal say this decoration, the 1st Class, only went to Army and Corps commanders but I wondered if there were some lower ranking exceptions.  Does anyone know?

[Christian1962]

No, there were no lower ranking exceptions.

 

The MVK 1. Kl. was just bestowed to officers from GdI/Gdk/FZM upwards. Almost all of them were army commanders.

 

Just GdK Archduke Joseph received it as corpscommander.

 

GenObst Adolf Freiherr Rhemen von Barensfeld received it als military gouvernor for Serbia.

 

You have to remember it was one of the highest ranking decorations of the k.u.k. monarchy, only below Grand Cross of the Order of Maria Theresia and the Order of St. Stephan.

 

Regards

 

Christian

 

P.S.: an example for a "Kleine Dekoration"...

Edited August 6 by Christian1962

[filfoster]

2 hours ago, Christian1962 said:

No, there were no lower ranking exceptions.

 

The MVK 1. Kl. was just bestowed to officers from GdI/Gdk/FZM upwards. Almost all of them were army commanders.

 

Just GdK Archduke Joseph received it as corpscommander.

 

GenObst Adolf Freiherr Rhemen von Barensfeld received it als military gouvernor for Serbia.

 

You have to remember it was one of the highest ranking decorations of the k.u.k. monarchy, only below Grand Cross of the Order of Maria Theresia and the Order of St. Stephan.

 

Regards

 

Christian

 

P.S.: an example for a "Kleine Dekoration"...

Thank you.  I had only thought of Oblt. Franz Kern who had a higher Iron Crown decoration and wondered. 

[Christian1962]

Franz Kern was bestowed Orden der Eisernen Krone II. Klasse (Iron Crown II.), which was quite unusual.

 

Regards

 

Christian