The Order of the White Lion is the highest order of the Czech Republic, which continues a Czechoslovak order of the same name created in 1922 as an award for foreigners (Czechoslovakia had no decoration for its citizens in 1920s and 1930s).

1922 – 1961

The order was created as an award for merits for the Czechoslovakia for foreign citizens. The Order was established in five classes and two divisions, civil (with two crossed palms above the badge) and military (with two crossed swords above the badge). The numbers of recipients had been limited, but limits were changed during following years. The Statutes of the order were amended in 1924, 1930 and 1936. There were medals in gold and silver.

The badge of the Order was five arms red enameled star, ends with small balls, between the arms are leaflets. In middle of the star is silver lion from national Coat of Arms. The reverse or the Star is red enameled with Coat of Arms of the former parts of Czechoslovakia (Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, Slovakia and Carpathian Ruthenia).

I. Class with collar - reserved for heads of state, introduced in 1924 and collar can be awarded separately.

I. Class - Grand cross - limited to 250 recipients

II. Class - Grand Officer - limited to 400 recipients

III. Class - Commander - limited to 900 recipients

IV. Class - Officer - limited to 1500 recipients, cross was smaller than the cross of the II./III. class.

V. Class - Knight - limited to 3000 recipients, cross was similar to IV. Class, but in silver.

Golden medal

Silver medal

During World War II, the Order of the White Lion reached its height as an award to those who had helped liberate Czechoslovakia from occupation by Nazi Germany. Following the surrender of Germany in May 1945, a large number of foreign bestowals were made by presenting the Order of the White Lion to senior officers of the Allied militaries. Dwight Eisenhower and George S. Patton are two Americans which received the Order of the White Lion after the close of World War II. A similar Order with the same name, Military Order of the White Lion was instituted in 1945 and could be conferred upon both Czechoslovak citizens and foreigners.

1961 – 1992

Order was remodeled after change of official name of Czechoslovakia and change national arms. It was issued new regulative for Order and was divided only into three classes.

Classes were I. as highest, II. and III. Collar was reserved only for foreign heads of state.

I. Class - consist of the badge and sash star

II. Class - neck badge and star worn on the right breast side

III. Class - neck badge

The Order of the White Lion continued to exist until the dissolution of Czechoslovakia.

From 1994

In 1994 it was re-established as the highest decoration of the Czech Republic; unlike in the past, it is now awarded by the President of the Czech Republic to both the Czech citizens and to foreigners for outstanding services to the Czech Republic. It is issued in five classes with the fifth and fourth classes presented as crosses, the third class awarded as an order that is worn around the neck, the second class as an order that is worn around the neck with chest star, and the first class as a grand cross (sash with badge and star).

The supreme grade of the Order of the White Lion, the first class accompanied by a gold neck chain may only be awarded to Heads of State. By law, the President is entitled to the first class insignia including the chain; after leaving the office, it may be conferred upon him for life by a joint resolution of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

External links

• Orders and Medals of Czechoslovakia including Order of the White Lion (in English and Czech)
• State decorations of the Czech Republic (in English and Czech)