History

The Order of Christopher Columbus (Orden Heráldica de Cristóbal Colón) was founded on July 21, 1937, and regulated on February 3, 1939. It was named in honour of the works of Christopher Columbus, Italian explorer who navigated the Atlantic Ocean (1942-1502) reaching the costs of Americas.

The Order is awarded to civilians and military personnel in recognition of meritorious service rendered to the nation in the fields of humanitarianism, science or the arts. The grades are the Collar, I Class Grand Cross (with gilded breast star), II Class Grand Cross (with silvered breast star), Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight.

In MedalBook the Order is classified into types; Type I consists of civil rewards, while Type II consists of the military reward.

The military division awards depict two crossed swords on the surmounted laurel wreath.