Established by Friedrich Wilhelm III, it was primarily awarded to troops not in Prussian Army military service.

The first version depicts the crowned cypher of Friedrich Wilhelm III on the obverse of the medal.

The reverse bears the inscription KRIEGER VERDIENST (Warrior Merit) surrounded by a wreath of two laurel sprigs, tied at its base with a bow.

The medal is suspended by a ring suspension and hangs from the ribbon of the Order of the Red Eagle.

The reverse is also inscribed KRIEGER VERDIENST and surrounded by a thicker laurel wreath than the early version.