Pour le Mérite

The Pour le Mérite, often called the "Blue Max," was Prussia's highest military honor for officers and a significant civilian award. Established in 1740 by <a href="/article/frederick-ii-of-prussia">Frederick II of Prussia</a>, its military class became famous during <a href="/article/world-war-i">World War I</a>, while its civil class continues to be awarded in Germany today. It signifies extraordinary personal achievement in military bravery or in the fields of science, humanities, and arts.