Order of the White Eagle (Serbia)
The Order of the White Eagle (also White Eagle Order ) was introduced along with the St. Sava Order of King Milan I of Serbia on February 16, 1883, one year after the restoration of Serbia as a kingdom. He was awarded by the king to Serbian or foreign citizens for merits in Friendswood and in war or special services to the monarchy, the state or the nation of Serbia. By 1898, he was the highest honor the Order of the country.
Order of classes
The Order of the White Eagle has five classes. The number of members of each class is limited.
- Grand Cross (10 members)
- Grand Officer (20 members)
- Commander ( 40 members)
- Officer (150 members)
- Ritter ( 300 members)
Order decoration
The Golden Order of characters ( knight of silver ) is a Serbian double-headed eagle with crowned heads. In a royal crown is attached. From the crown hang two blue enameled bands that combine with the eagle heads.
In the center a medallion is placed, which is surrounded by a ring with small gold beads. In the medallion on a red background, a white cross goldgerändertes to see the coat of arms of Serbia. In the cross angles depending on a golden flame. The back can be seen in the winning medallion and entwined initials of the founder, MI. The blue band is in Cyrillic, the golden inscription February 22, 1882.
Carrying method
The Grand Cross is worn with a sash over his shoulder. Great officers and commanders carry the distinction of being neck medal. The First and Second Class additionally a breast star. Officers and knights on the strip on the left chest, where on the tape for officers a rosette still attached.
The ribbon is red with light blue rim stripes.
Others
Peter I kept after his accession to the throne in 1903 the Order in a slightly different shape. Since the end of the Serbian monarchy in 1945, the Order is no longer officially awarded. However, he was presented by Alexander of Yugoslavia, the son of the last Serbian King Peter II, to several persons of his immediate environment. In September 1995, the Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadžić recorded from four members of a Greek Volunteer Guard with the Order.
In January 2004, the pop star Michael Jackson caused a stir when he appeared at a White Eagle medal around his neck with a court date.