The medal and clasps were awarded retroactively for participation in military operations in the German colonies.

[1] Exceptions were participants in the Boxer Rebellion 1899-1901, and German South-West Africa in the years 1904-08.

In the center is the imperial crown which sits above the inscription DEN TAPFEREN STREITERN FÜR DEUTSCHLANDS EHRE ("The brave warriors for Germany's honor").

The ribbon is white with four thin red lines in the center and black stripes on the edges.

The medal was awarded with claps which were manufactured of gold plated brass.