Order of Leopold (Belgium)
The Order of Leopold (Dutch: Leopoldsorde, French: Ordre de Léopold) is one of the three (current) Belgian national honorary orders of knighthood. It is the highest order of Belgium. It is named in honour of King Leopold I. It consists of a military, a maritime and a civilian division. The maritime division is only awarded to personnel of the merchant navy, and the military division to military personnel. The decoration was established on 11 July 1832. It is awarded for extreme bravery in combat or for meritorious service of immense benefit to the Belgian nation.[1] The Order of Leopold is awarded by Royal Decree.
During the Second World War, the Order of Leopold was awarded to officers of foreign militaries who had helped to liberate Belgium from the occupation of German forces. Famous recipients include Brand Whitlock, George S. Patton, Bernard Montgomery, Dwight Eisenhower, and Wesley Clark. Medal of Honor recepient Sergeant Francis S. Currey was awarded the Order of Leopold for his actions at Malmedy, Belgium in late 1944.[2] The medal was also granted to Karel Bossart in 1962, and Josip Broz Tito in 1970.
Order Of Leopold (Belgium) Media
Order of Leopold Grand Cross set of insignia
Order of Leopold (Belgium) Ribbon bar
Leopold I, first King of the Belgians, Founder and First Grand Master of the Order.
Uniform of HM Albert I, Royal Collection of Belgium
Count Paul de Smet de Naeyer, Grand Cordon
King Albert II (on the right) in 2005, with the Dominican Ambassador to Brussels
Cartoon depicting king Leopold II of the Belgians who is throwing medals to crowd
BEL - Order of Leopold - Grand Cordon bar
BEL - Order of Leopold - Grand Officer bar
BEL - Order of Leopold - Commander bar
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References
- ↑ "Kingdom of Belgium: Order of Leopold I". Medals of the World. 25 December 2012. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
- ↑ "Francis S. Currey". New York State Senate. nd. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
