The decoration could be awarded to all soldiers who took part in German Wars of Liberation against Emperor Napoleon I.

On the arms of the cross from top to bottom the inscription GRATI PRINCEPS ET PATRIA FRANC · IMP · AUG · (In gratitude ruler and fatherland Emperor Franz).

During the First World War, the appearance of this decoration served as a model for the design of the Karl Troop Cross, newly created in December 1916.

The award was worn on a yellow ribbon with a black wide border stripe on the left side of the chest.

On 18 October 1814, Field Marshal Karl Philipp, Prince of Schwarzenberg as commander-in-chief of the allied troops, was awarded the Grand Army Cross made of gold for the wars' of 1813–14 by the Emperor.