Military Merit Medal (Austria-Hungary)
The Military Merit Medal was a military decoration of the Empire of Austria-Hungary. It was founded by Emperor Franz Joseph I on March 12, 1890. The Military Merit Medal is often referred to as the "Signum Laudis" after the inscription on the reverse of the medal.
Bronze Military Merit Medal on the War Ribbon with Swords, Franz Joseph I
Grand Military Merit Medal with swords
Image: Magyar Koronás Ezüstérem polgári fokozata
Image: Magyar Koronás Ezüstérem katonai fokozat
Gottfried Freiherr von Banfield
Gottfried Freiherr von Banfield was the most successful Austro-Hungarian naval aeroplane pilot in the First World War. He was known as the 'Eagle of Trieste' and was the last person in history to wear the Military Order of Maria Theresa. He scored 9 aerial victories during the war, making him one of the only Flying aces who flew a flying boat to five or more victories.
Gottfried Freiherr von Banfield