Long Service Cross (Austria)
# Long Service Cross (Austria)

The Military Long Service Cross (German: Militärdienstzeichen) was a military long service cross of Austria-Hungary established by Emperor Franz Josef on 19 September, 1849 and awarded for military long service for the Austro-Hungarian Armed Forces. The length of service to be taken into account when determining the degrees of the award was changed several times. Previously, a Service Badge was awarded to the enlisted from 15 August, 1806, with the distinction of first and second class. The 1st class Copper Shield was awarded after 14 years of service, while the 2nd Class Hexagon type was awarded after 20 years.

## Military Long Service Cross for Officers

At the time of its founding, the officer corps received the 1st class after 25 years of service, and the 2nd class as for 50 years of service as recognition. In 1890, it was expanded to three classes. The 1st class was awarded after 50 years, the 2nd class after 40 years, and the 3rd class after 25 years of active service. In the amendments of 1911 and 1913, only enough changes were made that officers could receive the second class insignia after 35 years.

The insignia was a curved cross made of bronze. It's stems were widened and ridged. It is framed by a black enamel border. In the center of the cross was the imperial coat of arms with a golden double-headed eagle.

Size:

* 1st class: 60x34 mm
* 2nd class: 37x44 mm
* 3rd class: 37x44 mm

## Military Long Service Cross for Enlisted Personnel

At the beginning of Emperor Franz Josef's reign, the enlisted personnel received the 1st class after eight years, the 2nd class after 16 years. From 1867, there were 12 years for the 1st and 18 years for the 2nd class, and after the 1869 amendment, 24 years of service was required for 2nd class. After the changes in 1890, the enlisted personnel received the 1st class after 24 years and 2nd class after 14 years. According to the last amendment, 1st class was 20 years, 10 years for 2nd class, and a new 3rd class was created for 6 years of actual active service.

The cross is similar to the officer's insignia, but without the black enamel border and crest. In the middle of the cross, in a laurel wreath is the number of years served in Roman numerals.

Size:

* 39x36 mm

## Endnotes

* ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20111107200205/http://www.austro-hungarian-army.co.uk/decorat.htm
