The Bavarian Military Merit Order (German: Militär-Verdienstorden) was established on 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II of Bavaria.

It was the kingdom's main decoration for bravery and military merit for officers and higher-ranking officials.

The obverse of the center medallion had a gold crowned "L" cipher (for the founder King Ludwig II) on the black-enameled center and the word "MERENTI" on a ring of white enamel edged in gold (later silver-gilt).

Generally, these distinctions were based on rank, but in certain cases were used to permit a second award for further acts of bravery or military merit.

During World War I, the order was typically awarded as follows: In addition, there was an associated Military Merit Cross, which was open to non-commissioned officers and enlisted soldiers.