History

The Imperial Order of the Yoke and Arrows (Orden Imperial del Yugo y las Flechas) was originally instituted as the Great Order of the Red Arrows by General Francisco Franco on October 10, 1937. It was regulated and renamed Imperial Order of the Yoke and Arrows on January 27, 1943.

The Order was awarded to Spaniards and foreigners either citizens or military personnel, in recognition of outstanding services rendered to Spain during Franco’s government. It was considered the most prestigious award within Spain for military and civil service during Franco's period.

The grades were Collar, Grand Cross, Commander with Plaque, Commander, and Medal. All the ranks were awarded by foreign recipients.

The Order was awarded last time on October 1, 1975.

Known recipients of the Order include Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Víctor Manuel III of Italy, and Heinrich Himmler.

The Order features a Latin obverse inscription that can be translated to “To Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.”

The Grand Cross had a limit of 250 grants.