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The National Order of Vietnam was a combined military-political decoration of South Vietnam and was considered the highest honor that could be bestowed upon an individual by the Republic of Vietnam government.
The decoration was created in 1950 and was awarded to any person who performed grandiose works, remarkable deeds, exhibited bravery, or for those who have honored and served the country by lofty virtues and outstanding knowledge.
The National Order was issued in five degrees bring that of Knight, Officer, Commander, Grand Officer, and Grand Cross of the National Order. The various degrees were displayed by a device pinned on the National Order medal.
The design of the decoration was heavily influenced by the United Kingdoms Order of the Bath.
During the Vietnam War, the National Order of Vietnam was bestowed on several members of the United States military, most of whom were senior military and political advisors to the South Vietnamese government. The decoration could also be awarded posthumously.
Since the National Order of Vietnam was both a political and military decoration, it was displayed above all other awards when worn on a military uniform. A military equivalent of the decoration was the Vietnam Military Merit Medal, awarded only to members of the military.
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