The medal is awarded for active participation in combat actions or for the suffering from terrorist attacks.

The medal was initiated by then minister of defense Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and introduced by the President of Germany, Christian Wulff in 2010.

The initiation of the medal took place against the backdrop of more and more German soldiers being involved in combat situations while participating in missions abroad, especially in Afghanistan.

[2] The medal may be awarded to any member of the Bundeswehr who has actively participated in combat operations or has been in a terrorist attack, under great personal risk, such as by roadside bombs or suicide bombers.

The medal may also be awarded to those individuals who are killed while participating in combat operations or during a terrorist attack.