Order of Adolphe of Nassau

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Civil and Military Order of Merit of Adolphe of Nassau (French: Ordre du Mérite Civil et Militaire d'Adolphe de Nassau) is a military decoration of Luxembourg which was created in the year 1858 by the Duke of Nassau, and future Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Adolphe. The award recognises those persons that have performed meritorious actions or heroic deeds in the name of Luxembourg.

The award is issued in the following degrees:

1. Grand Cross
2. Grand Officer
3. Commander
4. Officer
5. Knight

The grades of Commander, Officer, and Knight may be awarded with the upgrade of crosses (for combat service) or crown (for extreme meritorious actions).

The Order of Adolphe of Nassau may also be issued to foreigners and is common as a diplomatic order. The decoration was issued as well in World War II to a handful of Allied officers who had helped liberate Luxembourg from the rule of Nazi Germany. Because of the small size of Luxembourg, and its minor role as a campaign theater, the Order of Adolphe of Nassau was not issued as frequently as other major World War II orders, such as the Croix de Guerre.

v • d • e Honours and decorations of Luxembourg Order of Adolphe of Nassau • Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau • Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg • Order of the Oak Crown