History

This Order was originally founded during the Czechoslovak Republic (1918-1948) as an award to recognize meritorious actions that benefited Czechoslovakia by foreign citizens, and was later expanded to also include Czechoslovakian citizens.

It continued to be awarded from 1961 until the dissolution of Czechoslovakia on January 1, 1993. From 1989-1993, it was only awarded to foreign citizens and groups for significant meritorious contributions to Czechoslovakia.

The Order awards were awarded within two divisions, the Military Division and the Civil Division.

The Civil Division awards feature a pair of crossed palms within the wreath suspension.

The Military Division awards feature a pair of crossed swords within the wreath suspension.

See the Order of the White Lion in Orders of the Czechoslovak Republic (1918-1948) for more information.

The Collar was only awarded to foreign heads of state.