March 13, 1879.
HIGHLY APPROVED RULES FOR THE RED CROSS BADGE.
Personal decree issued to the Minister of the Imperial Court, announced to the Senate by the Minister of Justice on March 17. In recognition of the useful actions of those persons of both sexes who, during the war against the Turks in 1877 and 1878, took part in the activities of the Society for the Care of Wounded and Sick Soldiers, under the Highest Patronage of HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, THE EMPRESS, either through personal service or material assistance, We have deemed it prudent to establish a special badge, called the “badge of the red cross”, to be worn on the left side of the chest.
Having now approved the design and sample of the aforementioned red cross badge, as well as the Rules on the basis of which this badge must be issued, we order:
1. To issue an order to announce the aforementioned Rules; - and
2. Matters related to the red cross badge are to be conducted by the Main Administration of the Society for the Care of Wounded and Sick Soldiers.
RULES.
1. The Red Cross badge is established for issue to persons of both sexes in memory of the participation they took in the activities of the Society for the Care of Wounded and Sick Soldiers during the war against the Turks in 1877 and 1878, which is under the Highest Patronage of Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress.
2. This badge consists of a red cross in a round silver rim depicting a ribbon with the inscription on the sides: "1877-1878" and with protruding ends at the bottom; and above it is a silver IMPERIAL Crown.
3. The Red Cross badge is worn on the left chest.
4. The following persons shall have the right to receive this badge:
a) Members of the management of the main, district and local companies and employees in their capital offices, in charge of warehouses and workers in them; chief representatives, representatives, agents and employees in their offices; doctors, students, nurses of the Red Cross and mercy, female students, feldshers, feldshers, pharmacists, orderlies, artel workers, infirmary staff and other such persons, who were in infirmaries and on trains, as well as at various points: dressing, reception, sanitary, food and overnight, as well as serving in evacuations.
b) Persons who have made more or less significant and substantial donations in money and goods, as well as those who contributed to the receipt of donations.
5. The following persons are not eligible to receive the newly established currency:
a) Persons who are under trial or investigation until the proceedings against them are completed;
and b) Persons who have been removed from office or employment in the Society due to disloyalty or bad behavior.
6. The Red Cross badge is prepared by order of the Main Administration of the Society for the Care of Wounded and Sick Soldiers.
7. The Red Cross badge is issued by decree of the Main Administration directly or upon submissions from local bodies of the Society and chief commissioners.
8. Persons awarded the Red Cross badge receive certificates certifying their right to wear this badge.