Cross of Merit for Women and Girls
| Cross of Merit for Women and Girls Ehrenkreuz für Frauen und Jungfrauen | |
|---|---|
| Awarded for | self-sacrificing work for the good of the fighting troops and their families |
| Country | Prussia |
| Presented by | King of Prussia |
| Eligibility | Prussian women and girls |
| Campaign | Franco-Prussian War |
| Established | 22 March 1871 |
| Total | 2979 |
Ribbon of the cross | |
| Related | Iron Cross |
The Cross of Merit for Women and Girls, or literally Women and Virgins (Ehrenkreuz für Frauen und Jungfrauen), was created on 22 March 1871 by Kaiser Wilhelm I, German Emperor, in his capacity as King of Prussia. The award was presented only to women, but was not a Ladies Order in the most narrow sense. Women and girls were awarded at the request of Empress Augusta, and the award was bestowed by the Kaiser.