History

The Order of Naval Merit (Orden al Mérito Naval) was instituted in 1946 as the Peruvian Cross for Naval Merit, to reward Peruvian military personnel who have displayed extraordinary naval merit in the performance of their duties. It may be awarded to foreign nationals as well.

The Order's grades are four, these are Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, and Knight. The Order has two division, White Distinction and Red Distinction. Presumably, the former division is awarded in time of peace, while the latter division is awarded to those who have died during service time.

The examples with Red Distinction are very rare. There is some version that do not feature a obverse inscription.

The Order's official maker is the Peruvian Mint in Lima. However, there are some unmarked examples that probably were made abroad.