This medal was established on 4 December 1854, during during the Crimean War as a means of recognising
acts of gallantry performed by warrant officers and non-commissioned officers. Although not well known today, it was regarded as second only to the Victoria
Cross in prestige.

Acting upon the fear during the First World War that
the overwhelming demand for medals would devalue
the prestige of those already available, the Military Medal was issued as an alternative to the Distinguished Conduct Medal from March 1916. Although the Distinguished Conduct Medal remained available the lesser Military Medal was usually awarded from the spring of 1916
and the Distinguished Conduct Medal was reserved for exceptional acts of bravery.