It was created in Vienna in 1750 by Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, widow of Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, in her testament, to reward the deserving officers who distinguished in battles.

Those had to serve faithfully in the army of the House of Austria for 30 years and having reached at least the rank of colonel and had to be inscribed in the Court Council of War, but without distinction of fatherland, birth, or religion.

In 1771, Maria Theresa settled a maximum number of 21 members, after having rejected several petitions to modify the access to the Order.

The catholic officers were expected to pray three times Pater Noster and Ave Maria for the founder and the reigning sovereign.

The decoration consists of a star of gold with eight triangles (enamelled in half-red, half-silver) and supported by the imperial crown, charged with an oval shield in the heart with the initials of the two empresses (ECMT for Elizabeth Christine Maria Theresa), all topped by a crown, surrounded by the legend: MARIA THERESIA PARENTIS GRATIAM perennem VOLUIT.