Orders, decorations, and medals of Georgia
Orders, decorations, and medals of Georgia are the orders, state decorations and medals that are granted by the national government of Georgia for meritorious achievements in national defense, state improvement, and the development of democracy and human rights.
They may be granted to any citizen of Georgia and to people with foreign citizenship or without any citizenship. Individuals may also be honored posthumously with state awards. Nominations are made by government officials.
Most of the Georgian state awards were established in 1992. Six years later, in 1998, the Order of the Golden Fleece was created. In 2004, the St. George's Victory Order and the Order of the National Hero of Georgia were added. Additional orders were created in 2009.
Current awards
Order of the Eagle of Georgia
Established in the 12th century and reinstated in 1939, the Order of the Eagle of Georgia is a five grades chivalric decoration of the Bagrationi dynasty. It is awarded to members of royal houses, patriarchs as well as political and military figures. Notable figures include Queen Elisabeth II, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and King George Tupou V.
- 1st grade - Lady / Knight Grand Collar (GColEG)
- 2nd grade - Lady / Knight Grand Cross (GCEG)
- 3rd grade - Lady / Knight Grand Officer (GOEG)
- 4th grade - Lady / Knight Commander (KCEG)
- 5th grade - Lady / Knight (KEG)
Order of David IV The Builder
Created in 1992, the Order of David IV The Builder is also known as the David Agmashenebeli Order. It is given to regular citizens, military and clerical personnel for outstanding contributions to the country, for fighting for the independence of Georgia and its revival, and for significantly contributing to social consolidation and the development of democracy.
Vakhtang Gorgasali Order
Established in 1992, the Vakhtang Gorgasali Order is a three-class military decoration awarded to personnel who displayed courage and heroism in the fight for protection of their motherland and its territorial unification, while skillfully leading them, protected military division, created and carried out military operations.
Devotion to the Motherland Medal
Awarded to military personnel for distinguished success in benefit of the country's defence during war and peace time;
- to military units for successful operations
- to military individuals for extraordinary bravery and devotion to duty in life-threatening situations
- to single military individuals and units for extraordinary performance during a state of emergency
Order of Honor
Established in 1992, the Order of Honor is awarded to citizens who took part in the building process of an independent government – devoted themselves, displayed heroism and actively participated in approving and sustaining the following – governing, defense, law and order, farming, health protection, achievement in the fields of science, education, culture, literature, art and sports.
Military Courage Medal
Created in 1992, the Military Courage Medal is awarded to military and police personnel for protecting their motherland while displaying bravery and courage when carrying out military duties, for heroic and daring actions.
Military Honor Medal
Established in 1992, the Military Honor Medal is awarded to Georgian military personnel and citizens who actively participated in the protection of their motherland and its territorial unity.
Honor Medal
Established in 1992, the Honor Medal is awarded to Georgian citizens who actively participated in the revival of Georgia and devoted themselves to noble deeds.
Order of the Golden Fleece
Established in 1998, the Order of the Golden Fleece is awarded to individuals with foreign citizenship and those holding no citizenship who have significantly contributed to governmental improvement, national security interests, sovereignty and protection of territorial unity, formation of democratic and free society, development of useful bilateral relationships with foreign countries and international organizations, protection of rights of Georgian citizens living abroad, popularization of Georgian culture, and development of Georgian science and art. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is a notable recipient of the Order.[1]
St. George's Victory Order
Established in 2004, the St. George's Victory Order is awarded to individuals who have significantly contributed to victorious battles.
Order of the National Hero of Georgia
Established in 2004, the Order of the National Hero of Georgia is the country's highest state decoration exclusively granted for heroism. Among others, it was awarded to Zhiuli Shartava (posthumously, 2004), Zaza Damenia (posthumously, 2008), John McCain (2010), Lech Kaczyński (posthumously, 2010), Giorgi Antsukhelidze (posthumously, 2013), Zurab Iarajuli (posthumously, 2013).
Order of Queen Tamar
Established in 2009, the Order of Queen Tamar is awarded to regular citizens for their significant achievements in public or social spheres and outstanding service to the country and its people.
Order of St. Nicholas
Established on July 31, 2009, in accordance with parliamentary decree number 1553, the Order of St. Nicholas is awarded to individuals for outstanding charitable or social activities in free service to the country and the people.
Royal Order of the Crown of the Georgian Kingdom
The six-grades order is bestowed on individuals who have served the royal family of Georgia and contributed to the well-being of the country. It is available to both Georgian citizens and foreigners. The Royal Order of the Crown of the Georgian Kingdom was established on 4th July 2013 by Royal decree.[2]
- 1st grade - Dame / Knight Grand Collar ( reserved for the Grand Master of the Order, Georgian Royal family members, and Heads of State )
- 2nd grade - Dame / Knight Grand Cross
- 3rd grade - Dame / Knight Grand Officer
- 4th grade - Dame / Knight Commander
- 5th grade - Dame / Knight Officer
- 6th grade - Dame / Knight
Didgori Cross
Established in 2014, the Didgori Cross is awarded to servicemen and women of the Georgian Armed Forces for extraordinary courage and achievements during battle, leadership and initiative. Major Vitali Zkhadadze of the Georgian Armed Forces 43rd battalion, 4th Mechanized Infantry Brigade is the first soldier to get awarded the Didgori Cross on the day of its establishment.
Gallery
- Grand Cross, Order of the Eagle of Georgia
- Order of the National Hero of Georgia
- St. George’s Victory Order
- Order of David IV The Builder
- Order of Queen Tamar
- Presidential Order of Excellence
- Order of St. Nicholas
- Order of the Golden Fleece
- Vakhtang Gorgasali Order, rank I
- Order of Honor
- Military Courage Medal
- Military Honor Medal
- Honor Medal
- Didgori Cross
See also
- List of prizes, medals, and awards
- Order of Queen Tamara, a historic World War I-era military award
References
- State Decorations at President of Georgia website