List of orders, decorations and medals of the Republic of China

This is a list of orders, decorations and medals of the Republic of China, usually known as Taiwan. This list is sorted in order of precedence of the highest grade of each award on a full military dress. The Honour Sabre is a special case and is listed separately under Military orders, as per its official classification by the Ministry of National Defense.

Military orders

Name	Grades	Awarded for	Ribbon bar	Instituted[1]
Order of National Glory 國光勳ç«	1 (Grand Cordon)[2]	Distinguished contributions to national defense		8 November 1937
Order of Blue Sky and White Sun 青天白日勳ç«	1 (Grand Cordon)[2]	Outstanding contributions to national defense		15 May 1929
Order of the Sacred Tripod 寶鼎勳ç«	1 (Special Grand Cordon)	Repelling foreign invasion or quelling internal unrest		15 May 1929
	2 (Grand Cordon)
	3 (Red Grand Cordon)[3]
	4 (Special Cravat)[4]
	5 (Cravat)[4]
	6 (Special Rosette)
	7 (Rosette)
	8 (Special Ribbon)
	9 (Ribbon)
Order of Loyalty and Valour 忠勇勳ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Bravery in combat		23 September 1944
Order of the Cloud and Banner 雲麾勳ç«	1 (Special Grand Cordon)	Contributions to the nation or quelling internal unrest		15 June 1935
	2 (Grand Cordon)
	3 (Yellow Grand Cordon)[3]
	4 (Special Cravat)[4]
	5 (Cravat)[4]
	6 (Special Rosette)
	7 (Rosette)
	8 (Special Ribbon)
	9 (Ribbon)
Order of Loyalty and Diligence 忠勤勳ç«	1 (Ribbon)	10 years' service in the military and meeting academic criteria		23 September 1944
Order of Grand Community 大同勳ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Significant contributions to the Air Force in battle or in its construction		14 June 1945
Order of Cosmic Diagram 河圖勳ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Bravery in combat with 1,800 hours of flight time or 600 missions in the Air Force		14 June 1945
Order of Book of Nature 洛書勳ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Bravery in combat with 1,500 hours of flight time or 500 missions in the Air Force		14 June 1945
Order of Sublime Commencement 乾元勳ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Bravery in combat with 1,200 hours of flight time or 400 missions in the Air Force		14 June 1945
Order of Renaissance and Honour 復興榮譽勳ç«	1 (Ribbon)	9 kills, 900 hours of flight time or 300 missions in the Air Force		3 December 1937
	2 (Ribbon)	6 kills, 750 hours of flight time or 250 missions in the Air Force
	3 (Ribbon)	3 kills, 600 hours of flight time or 200 missions in the Air Force
Order of Victory of Resistance against Aggression 抗戰勝利勳ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Contributions to the Chinese nation during the Second Sino-Japanese War		10 October 1945
Order in Commemoration of the Tenth Anniversary of the Oath-taking of the National Revolutionary Army 國民革命軍誓師十週年紀念勳ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Officers who hold the rank of Major General or above and who have commanded a Division-level unit or above, and took the oath to unify the country in 1926, Guangdong.		8 July 1936

Name	Grades[5]	Awarded for	Instituted
Honour Sabre of the Awakened Lion 醒獅勳刀	1 (9 Lions, yellow tassel)	Already-highly decorated officers who are deserving of more commendation	23 November 1931
	2 (7 Lions, blue tassel)
	3 (5 Lions, red tassel)

Military medals

General Armed Forces medals

Name	Grades[6]	Awarded for	Ribbon bar	Instituted[1]
Medal of the Armed Forces[7] 陸海空軍獎ç«	A-1 (Ribbon)	Outstanding performance or exhibiting special technical skills		15 August 1929
	A-2 (Ribbon)
	B-1 (Ribbon)
	B-2 (Ribbon)
Medal of the Brilliant Light[7] 光華獎ç«	A-1 (Ribbon)	Outstanding performance or exhibiting special technical skills		7 September 1937
	A-2 (Ribbon)
	B-1 (Ribbon)
	B-2 (Ribbon)
Medal of Victorious Garrison[7] 干城獎ç«	A-1 (Ribbon)	Outstanding performance or exhibiting special technical skills		7 September 1937
	A-2 (Ribbon)
	B-1 (Ribbon)
	B-2 (Ribbon)
Medal of Loyalty and Integrity 忠貞獎ç«	1 (Ribbon and Stars)[8]	Soldiers who are wounded in combat.		Dec 1945
Medal of the Spirit of Chu[7] 莒光獎ç«	A-1 (Ribbon)	Significant contributions to the Armed Forces in the areas of technology, logistics and finance.		12 June 1971
	A-2 (Ribbon)
	B-1 (Ribbon)
	B-2 (Ribbon)
Medal of Victory of Resistance against Aggression 抗戰勝利獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Contributions during the Second Sino-Japanese War.		8 January 1946

Army medals

Name	Grades[6]	Awarded for	Ribbon bar	Instituted[1]
Medal of Army Brilliance 陸光獎ç«	A (Ribbon)	Being victorious in combat, proactively render assistance to friendly troops, and other significant contributions.		5 May 1958
	B (Ribbon)
Medal of Outstanding Service 金甌獎ç«	A (Ribbon)	Significant contributions such as destroying enemy forces, securing the border, preventing rebellions or participation in military projects		5 May 1958
	B (Ribbon)
Medal of Bravery 虎賁獎ç«	A (Ribbon)	Significant contributions during battle, such as destroying enemy fortifications, routing enemy reinforcements, and assisting the main force in combat.		5 May 1958
	B (Ribbon)
Medal of Outstanding Staff 弼亮獎ç«	A (Ribbon)	Significant contributions in research.		5 May 1958
	B (Ribbon)
Medal of Army Achievement 景風獎ç«	A (Ribbon)	Being corruption-free and highly productive.		5 May 1958
	B (Ribbon)
Medal of Excellent Efficiency 寶星獎ç«	1-9 (Ribbon and Stars)	1 Star for every 3 years of service and meeting academic requirements, up to 9 Stars.		5 May 1958

Navy medals

Name	Grades	Awarded for	Ribbon bar	Instituted[1]
Medal of Naval Brilliance 海光獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Contributions in command or combat, for conspicuous gallantry and those wounded on duty.		19 July 1951
Medal of Naval Achievement 海功獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Contributions in combat.		19 July 1951
Medal of Naval Merit 海勳獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Contributions to military strategy, military literature and technological research.		19 July 1951
Medal of Naval Distinguished Service 海績獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Meeting labour service requirements.		19 July 1951
Medal of Naval Disposition 海風獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Those with good moral character, or for excellent performance during exercises or parades.		19 July 1951
Medal of Marine Corps 陸戰獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Contributions in combat, training, or research.		30 August 1972

Air Force medals

Name	Grades[6]	Awarded for	Ribbon bar	Instituted[1]
Star Medal 星序獎ç«	1 (9 Stars)	9 kills.	NA	5 May 1938
	2 (8 Stars)	8 kills.	NA
	3 (7 Stars)	7 kills.	NA
	4 (6 Stars)	6 kills.	NA
	5 (5 Stars)	5 kills.	NA
	6 (4 Stars)	4 kills.	NA
	7 (3 Stars)	3 kills.	NA
	8 (2 Stars)	2 kills.	NA
	9 (1 Star)	1 kill.	NA
Medal of Rising Roc 鵬舉獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	540 flight hours or 180 missions.	NA	14 June 1945
Medal of Flying Dragon 雲龍獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	480 flight hours or 160 missions.	NA	14 June 1945
Medal of Flying Tiger 飛虎獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	420 flight hours or 140 missions.	NA	14 June 1945
Medal of Winged Leopard 翔豹獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	360 flight hours or 120 missions.	NA	14 June 1945
Medal of Rapacious Condor 雄鷲獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	300 flight hours or 100 missions.	NA	14 June 1945
Medal of Vermilion Bow 彤弓獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	180 flight hours or 60 missions.	NA	14 June 1945
Medal of Awe-Inspiring 宣威獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Service to the Air Force.	NA	2 March 1939
	2 (Ribbon)		NA
	3 (Ribbon)		NA
Medal of Distinguished Service[9] 懋績獎ç«	A-1 (Ribbon)	Distinguished service in the areas of research, training, competitions and inspections.	NA	8 April 1943
	A-2 (Ribbon)		NA
	B-1 (Ribbon)		NA
	B-2 (Ribbon)		NA
Exemplary Medal[9] 楷模獎ç«	A-1 (Ribbon)	Good conduct.	NA	8 April 1943
	A-2 (Ribbon)		NA
	B-1 (Ribbon)		NA
	B-2 (Ribbon)		NA

Victory medals

Name	Grades	Awarded for	Ribbon bar	Instituted[1]
Medal of Scholarship 績學獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Achievement in academic competitions.	NA	1 August 1935
	2 (Ribbon)		NA
Medal of Marksmanship 射擊獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Achievement in marksmanship competitions.	NA	1 August 1935
	2 (Ribbon)		NA
Medal of Horsemanship 騎術獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Achievement in riding competitions.	NA	1 August 1935
	2 (Ribbon)		NA
Medal of Seamanship 操舟獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Achievement in rowing competitions.	NA	1 August 1935
	2 (Ribbon)		NA
Medal of Flying 飛行獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Achievement in aviation competitions.	NA	1 August 1935
	2 (Ribbon)		NA
Medal of Special Skill 特技獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Achievement in martial arts or sports competitions.	NA	1 August 1935
	2 (Ribbon)		NA
Medal of Maintenance 修護獎ç«	1 (Ribbon)	Excellence in maintenance work.	NA	19 July 1971
	2 (Ribbon)		NA

Commemorative and Service awards

Name	Grades	Awarded for	Ribbon bar	Instituted[1]
功標
NCO Soldier Honor Medal 士官士兵榮譽紀念ç«
Anti-Japanese War Victory Medal 抗戰勝利紀念ç«
蔣委員長西安蒙難紀念ç«
作戰負傷榮譽紀念ç«
克難英雄紀念ç«
國防部服務紀念ç«
外島地區服務紀念ç«
艱苦地區服務紀念ç«
各軍種服務紀念ç«
軍紀競賽個人優勝榮譽標
榮譽旗旗標	1	Loyalty and bravery.[10]
陸海空軍官校榮譽旗旗標

Civilian orders

Name	Grades	Awarded for	Ribbon bar	Instituted[1]
Order of Brilliant Jade 采玉勳ç«	1 (Grand Cordon)	Foreign heads of state.		2 December 1933
Order of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen 中山勳ç«	1 (Grand Cordon)	Contributions to national development.	NA	12 February 1941
Order of Chiang Chung-Cheng 中正勳ç«	1 (Grand Cordon)	1. Implementation of the Three Principles of the People 2. National development 3. Revival of Chinese culture 4. Implementation of democratic reforms	NA	11 January 1980
Order of Propitious Clouds 卿雲勳ç«	1 (Special Grand Cordon)	Contributions to national and societal development.		12 February 1941
	2 (Grand Cordon)
	3 (Green Grand Cordon)
	4 (Special Cravat)
	5 (Cravat)
	6 (Special Rosette)
	7 (Rosette)
	8 (Special Ribbon)
	9 (Ribbon)
Order of Brilliant Star 景星勳ç«	1 (Special Grand Cordon)	Contributions to national and societal development.		12 February 1941
	2 (Grand Cordon)
	3 (Green Grand Cordon)
	4 (Special Cravat)
	5 (Cravat)
	6 (Special Rosette)
	7 (Rosette)
	8 (Special Ribbon)
	9 (Ribbon)
Public Servants' Service Medal	NA	NA	NA	NA

Defunct orders

Prior to the modern system, the Republican government established numerous orders that are now defunct.

Nanjing Era

After the founding of the Republic, the Nanjing Provisional Government established the following orders in 1912:

• Order of the Nine Tripods (九鼎勳章): 9 grades, a military decoration.
• Order of Tiger and Bear (虎羆勳章): 9 grades, a military decoration.
• Order of the Waking Lion (醒獅勳章): 9 grades, mixed military and civilian decoration.

Beiyang Era

The Beijing government re-established the honour system with the following orders:

• The Grand Order (大勳章): for ceremonial use by the Head of State.
• Badge of Mongolian, Hui and Tibetan Nobility (蒙回藏爵章): 5 grades, awarded to lords of Mongolia, Xinjiang and Tibet who bore Qing dynasty princely and ducal titles. The grades of this order correspond to Qing's princely ranks.
• Order of Rank and Merit (勳位章): 5 grades, highest general decoration.
• Order of Precious Brilliant Golden Grain (寶光嘉禾勳章): 5 grades and 6 classes, awarded only to high-level officials.
• Order of the Golden Grain (嘉禾勳章): 9 grades, civilian decoration.
• Order of the White Eagle (白鷹勳章): 9 grades.
• Order of the Striped Tiger (文虎勳章): 9 grades, military decoration.
• Order of Cloud and Crane (雲鶴勳章)
• Order of the Golden Lion (金獅勳章)
• Order of the Nebula (星雲勳章)
• Order of the Begonia (棠勳章)
• Medal of Compassion (慈惠章): awarded to women in charitable works.

Various warlords also issued their own orders and commemorative medals.

Notes

1. Date of institution given is of the first incarnation of the award. Changes since then of the design and/or grades are noted separately. Dates of institution obtained from Ministry of National Defense and Office of the President, see References below.
2. The Order of National Glory and Order of Blue Sky and White Sun had a Rosette device until 19 November 1980
3. The Order of Precious Tripod, 3rd Class and Order of Resplendent Banner, 3rd Class had no device prior to 19 November 1980
4. The Special Cravat and Cravat grades are neck orders.
5. Prior to 1 August 1935 the Honour Sabre was presented in nine grades, from 9 stars to 1 star, respectively. On the current design, lions are carved in golden relief on the scabbard and hilt.
6. For all medals with A and B grades, A grade medals are awarded to officers holding the rank of Major or above, and B grade medals are awarded to soldiers of ranks including and below Captain.
7. First time recipients receive the Second Class of the medal, second time recipients receive the First Class of the medal, and further decorations are to be denoted with award stars.
8. First time recipients receive 1 silver star; Second time recipients 2 silver stars; Third time 3 silver stars; Beyond 3, every 3 silver stars is exchanged for a gold star.
9. First time recipients receive the Second Class of the medal and second time recipients receive the First Class of the medal.
10. http://lis.ly.gov.tw/lghtml/lawstat/html/0141000.htm

References

• Explanation of Decorations. Department of Public Service, Ministry of National Defense, ROC. <http://www.mnd.gov.tw/people/f/index.htm>
• Orders, Decorations and Medals of Taiwan (Republic of China). Medals of the World. <http://www.medals.org.uk/taiwan/taiwan-text.htm>
• National Seal and Orders. Office of the President, Republic of China (Taiwan). <http://www.president.gov.tw/1_art/subject-02.html>