Added by: John Harman Description: This medal, instituted on 1 October 1898 by Kaiser Wilhelm II as King of Prussia, was awarded for distinction by men and women in voluntary aid work in both war and peace. It was awarded until 31 December 1920 for service within Europe, and through 31 December 1921 for service outside of Europe. Three scarce bars, instituted on 17 December 1900, were awarded with this medal when appropriate: “SÜDAFRIKA 1899/1900”, “OSTASIEN 1900/01” and “SÜDWESTAFRIKA 1904/06.” This medal was awarded in bronze until 1916, in iron and with a teardrop shape from September 1916 to July 1917, in zinc or white metal with teardrop shape from about July 1917 until the war’s end in November 1918. After the war until 1920 the medal was produced in white metal, also with a teardrop shape. Keywords: prussian, prussia, red cross medal Date Added: 12-22-2004