History

Civilian recipients were recognized for service to the government and they were awarded a grade without crossed swords.

Military recipients, such as Officers of the People's Army, were recognized for gallantry and leadership and they were awarded a grade with crossed swords.

The original design of the Order was crafted by Boris Angelushev. The awards were produced by Strahil Miloshev until the late 1940s, and later by the State Mint in Sofia.

There are three main versions of the awards.

The awards issued first feature the initials of Vassil Levski on the obverse “B Л.” The I Class issued first is worn on a neck ribbon, and the II Class and II Class awards feature a screwback.

The awards issued second do not feature the initials of Vassil Levski on the obverse. The I Class issued second is worn on a neck ribbon, and the II Class and II Class awards feature a screwback.

The awards issued third hang on a fixed metal ribbon holder and do not feature the initials of Vassil Levski on the obverse.

The Order was discontinued in 1990.