History

The Admiral Padilla Order of Naval Merit (Orden del Mérito Naval "Almirante Padilla") was instituted by decree on July 8, 1947, and was regulated on March 27, 1952. It is the highest award for navy personnel within the country.

It is currently awarded to navy personnel, Colombians and foreigners, for acts of courage and outstanding services to the navy, as well as to those who have brought merit to the Colombian Navy.

The Order's grades are Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight. It is not clear if the grade denotes the rank of the recipient.

This Order is named after Admiral Jose Padilla who founded the Colombian Navy in 1823, and who accompanied to Simon Bolivar on his final expedition from Haiti to South America to begin the successful campaign to end with the Spanish rule.

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