The Imperial Austrian Order of Franz Joseph (German: Kaiserlich-Österreichischer Franz-Joseph-Orden) was founded by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria on 2 December 1849, on the first anniversary of his accession to the imperial throne.

In 1869, the class of Commander with Star was added, which ranked immediately below the Grand Cross.

The Officer's Cross, which ranked between Commander and Knight, was introduced on 1 February 1901.

The order ceased to exist as a governmental award with the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918.

However, if soldiers were honoured, it was usually for distinguished service as opposed to gallantry in the face of the enemy.