History

The Order of Merit of the Civil Guard Corps (Orden del Mérito de la Guardia Civil) was established by decree on May 29, 1976. It was originally awarded to members of the Civil Guard in recognition of outstanding and meritorious services during the performance of their duties either in combat, or in peacetime.

The grades are Grand Cross, Gold star, Silver star, Red Cross, and white Cross.

The Order is currently conferred upon members of the Spanish security forces, Civil Guard Corps, civilians, and organizations, in recognition of distinguished behavior and meritorious actions that positively reflect the esteem and integrity of the country and the security forces.

The Order features an obverse inscription that translates to “To Merit.”

The Grand Cross was added to the Order in 2012.