The medal has its origins in the commemorative medals created by Emperor Francis II at the end of the 18th Century for soldiers who had distinguished themselves on the field of battle. Since 1809, these medals have been referred to as the Medal for Bravery (Tapferkeitsmedaille) and were awarded to non-commissioned officers and other ranks for acts of bravery.

This example bears the portrait of Emperor Franz Joseph I and was awarded between 1866 and 1916, most probably early in World War I.