The recipients of the cross received a number of privileges including bearing arms without a permit, being exempt from physical labor while carrying out general services for the state.

They also received primacy during elections and occupied the first place of honor after members of the authorities.

In the center of the obverse there is a composition of an angular crown and two crossed swords and the inscription "Otto King of Greece".

The reverse side of the cross bears the Bavarian coat of arms and the inscription "To the Heroic Defenders of the Fatherland".

[2] It was it was held by a pale blue 36 millimetres (1.4 in) wide ribbon and worn on the left side of the chest.