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The Military Order of Maria Theresa (Militär-Maria-Theresien-Orden in German) was an Order (decoration) of the Austro-Hungarian Empire founded on June 18 1757, the day of the Battle of Kolin, by the Empress Maria Theresa to reward especially meritorious and valorous acts by commissioned officer. It was specifically given for "successful military acts of essential impact to a campaign that were undertaken on own initiative, and might have been omitted by an honorable officer without reproach." This gave rise to a popular myth that it was awarded for (successfully) acting against an explicit order.
Originally, the Order had two classes: the Knight's Cross and the Grand Cross. On October 15, 1765, Emperor Joseph II, added the Commander's Cross and the Knight Cross 2nd class.
A prospective awardee was considered only in regards to their military service record; their ethnicity, birth and rank (as long as he was a commissioned officer) were irrelevant. Knight Cross bearers were automatically admitted to court and could claim the title of Baron (Freiherr). They were also entitled to a pension. Widows of the Order's recipients were entitled to half of their spouse's pension during the remainder of their lives.
The Order officially ceased to exist at the fall of the Hapsburg Dynasty in 1918. The last (unofficial) meeting of the Order chapter took place in 1931. The medal has been awarded a total of 1241 times.
Insignia
- The badge of the Order was a gilt, white-enamelled cross. The central disc is also in enamel, bearing the coat-of-arms/national flag of Austria, surrounded by a white ring bearing the motto "Fortitvdini" (Fortitude).
- The star of the Order was a silver faceted cross of the same shape as the badge, with a wreath of green-enamelled oak leaves between the arms of the cross. The central disc is the same as on the badge.
- The ribbon of the Order was red-white-red, from the national flag of Austria.
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