The Military Merit Cross (Militärverdienstkreuz) was established by Friedrich Franz II, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin on August 5, 1848.

Mecklenburg-Schwerin's participation on the side of Prussia and other north German states in the Austro-Prussian War led to the next version, dated 1866.

The Romanian royal family was a branch of the Hohenzollerns, the ruling house of Prussia and the newly created German Empire.

On February 28, 1915, Friedrich Franz IV, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, reauthorized the Military Merit Cross.

The reverse of the 2nd Class bore the legend "Für Auszeichnung im Kriege" ("For distinction in the war").

For awards to non-combatants, the same cross was worn, but the ribbon was changed to red with light blue and yellow edge stripes.