History

This Order was instituted by the President's Office in commemoration of the founding of the People's Republic of Bulgaria.

The Order is equal in precedence with the Order of the Madara Horseman.

It was conferred upon Bulgarians and foreigners for services rendered in favour of Bulgarian defence, freedom, independence.

It was also awarded to Officers of the Bulgarian People's Army in recognition of extraordinary leadership and operational planning.

Each recipient of the Order also received a miniature award to be worn in daily activities.

This Order was originally conferred in five classes and a Gold Star, but in 1950 the Presidum reduced it to three classes and abolished the Gold Star grade. The IV Class, V Class, and Gold Star grades were never officially produced.

In 1971, the Bulgarian coat of arms on the obverse medallion was altered to reflect the Constitution adopted that same year.

Thus there are two main versions of each award. The awards conferred from 1947-1971 feature the Bulgarian coat of arms with the inscription “9 IX 1944”, and the awards conferred from 1971-1991 feature the new Bulgarian coat of arms with the inscription “681 1944”.

The entire Order was officially discontinued in 1991.

The Order was designed by Onik Odabashyan.