History

This Order was instituted by King Norodom I while under French Colonial rule. When awarded by French authorities, it was conferred upon individuals of at least 29 years of age, in recognition of exceptional civil or military merit, and for at least 3 years of service in Indochina, preferably Cambodia.

In 1933, this Order was also awarded to honour exhibitions commemorating Cambodian events important to the French colonies. France stopped granting this Order in 1948, and it continued to be awarded by the King of Cambodia.

Following Cambodia's independence in 1955, the Order was approved by King Norodom Sihanouk. It is currently awarded to civilians and military personnel for outstanding meritorious service to Cambodia.

A different ribbon signifies whether it was of Cambodian issue (solid red ribbon with green edges) or of French issue (solid white ribbon with yellow edges). The current issue of this Order is awarded with the Cambodian ribbon.