History

This Order was originally founded during the Czechoslovak Republic (1918-1948) as an award to recognize meritorious actions that benefited Czechoslovakia by foreign citizens, and was later expanded to also include Czechoslovakian citizens.

It continued to be awarded from 1961 until the dissolution of Czechoslovakia on January 1, 1993. From 1989-1993, it was only awarded to foreign citizens and groups for significant meritorious contributions to Czechoslovakia.

The Order awards were awarded within two divisions, the Military Division and the Civil Division.

The Civil Division awards feature a pair of crossed palms within the linden wreath suspension.

The Military Division awards feature a pair of crossed swords within the linden wreath suspension.

See the Order of the White Lion, CZE101 in Orders of the Czechoslovak Republic (1918-1948), and Order of the White Lion, CZE159 in Orders of Coalition Government (1946-1948) and Czechoslovak Socialist Republic (1948-1989) for more information.