History

This Order was founded by the Provisional Czechoslovak Government to recognize the efforts of citizens within the liberation of Czechoslovakia.

It was primarily conferred upon members of the Czech Legion during the Russian Civil War that participated in the defence of the Trans-Siberian Railway in Siberia.

The Order is unofficially known as the Stefanikuv Order.

The awards may be conferred within a Military Division or Civil Division.

The Civil Division awards were conferred upon non-combatants and feature a gilt wreath suspension.

The Military Division awards were conferred upon combatants and feature a gilt wreath suspension with crossed swords.

Although the Order was designed with five grades, only the V Class or Knight grade is known to have been awarded.

The Order was abolished in 1919 with the founding of an independent Czechoslovak Republic.

The V Class is also known as the Knight.

The V Class ribbon may be decorated with a star to indicate the conferral of extra distinction.

The first awards issued were produced in Tokyo.