History

The Order is Latvia's first Order, and it was considered the highest national military decoration until it's suppression in 1940 during Latvia's occupation by the Soviet Union.It is also known as the Order of Lacplesis, as it was named after a Latvian war hero.

The Order was primarily conferred to recognize acts of valour within the Latvian War for Independence by foreigners and Latvians. After Latvia gained independence in 1919, the Order continued to be awarded to foreign and Latvian military personnel who showed personal valour in war, and whose meritorious service helped develop Latvia's independence and glory.

The Order was not re-established with the restoration of Latvian Independence in 1991.