History

The National Order of Jose Matias Delgado (Orden Nacional de Jose Matias Delgado) was instituted by decree on August 14, 1946. It is conferred upon Salvadoran and foreign citizen in recognition of outstanding services in the fields of humanitarianism, literacy, science, the arts and politics. Since its inception, it has been the highest official award in El Salvador.

This Order is awarded with six grades limited by decree; I Class Grand Cross (with gilded breast star) is limited to 20 bestowals, II Class Grand Cross (with silvered breast star) is limited to 40, Grand Officer and Commander are limited to 60, Officer is limited to 80, and Knight is unlimited.

The Order was named in honor of José Matías Delgado (1767-1832) who is considered as national hero of El Salvador's independence. Delgado was a priest and physician who signed the Act of Independence of the United Provinces of Central America from Spanish rule in 1821. Delgado also participated at the constituent congress of the Federal Republic of Central America years later as Chief of San Salvador.