The Military Order of William was instituted in 1815. The order holds 4 degrees: Knight Grand Cross, Commander and Knight 3rd and 4th grade. The order was awarded for Courage (Moed), Valour (Beleid) and Faith (Trouw).

Orders of the fourth class have been produced in different versions since first issue. The older versions have a diameter of 32mm, the latter 42mm.

Most medals were awarded during the Dutch-Belgium ten-days war in 1830 and in the Dutch Indies.

The medal on the left is a post-1940 version with a diameter of 42mm.

Several types were produced:

• 32mm French
• 38 mm
• 42mm 1870
• 42 mm
• 42 mm 1898-1920 Goudsmit
• 42mm 1940
• 42mm 2002