History

The Order was founded by the Admiral Nicholas Horthy and a Decree from the Prime Minister, Count Teleki.

This Order was conferred upon Hungarian civilians and veterans of the Hungarian Armed Forces for bravery and loyalty rendered during World War I and the Hungarian revolutions.

The Order is also known as the Order of the Hero, Order of the Valiant, and the Valiant Order.

The Order was hereditary, and the title of “Vitéz” was passed down to the recipient’s first son at the age of 17 if he met the physical and mental requirements. Recipients were also gifted with a track of land.

This was the first Order that was created following the end of World War I, and its main purpose was to create a group of land owners that were loyal to the Hungarian Regent and Government.

The Order was formally discontinued in 1945, but it was later re-instituted in modern Hungary.