Wound Medal (Austria-Hungary)

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Wound Medal (Austria-Hungary)

The Wound Medal was a military decoration of the Austro-Hungarian Empire established on August 12, 1917. It was awarded to soldiers who were wounded in combat during World War I. The medal came in three classes: Gold, Silver, and Bronze, with each class denoting the severity of the injury sustained.

History

The Wound Medal was created by Emperor Charles I of Austria to recognize the sacrifices made by soldiers who were wounded while serving their country. It was one of the few decorations in the Austro-Hungarian Empire specifically designed to honor those injured in battle.

Design

The design of the Wound Medal featured a laurel wreath encircling the initials "K" and "K" (for Kaiserlich und Königlich, meaning Imperial and Royal) topped with a crown. The reverse side of the medal displayed the year "1917" and the inscription "Für Tapferkeit" (For Bravery).

Classes

The Gold Wound Medal was awarded for severe injuries that permanently incapacitated the recipient. The Silver Wound Medal was given for serious wounds that required lengthy recovery, while the Bronze Wound Medal was for minor injuries that did not result in extended hospitalization.

Recipients

Soldiers from all branches of the Austro-Hungarian military were eligible for the Wound Medal, regardless of rank. Recipients were entitled to wear the medal on their uniforms as a mark of honor and distinction.

Legacy

The Wound Medal served as a symbol of courage and sacrifice for those who fought in World War I on behalf of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Although the empire dissolved after the war, the medal remains a poignant reminder of the bravery displayed by its soldiers.