This is a list of orders, decorations and medals of the Republic of China, usually known as Taiwan after 1949. This list is sorted in order of precedence of the highest grade of each award on a full military dress. The Honour Sabre is a special case and is listed separately under Military orders, as per its official classification by the Ministry of National Defense.
Military orders Name Grades Awarded for Ribbon bar InstitutedDate of institution given is of the first incarnation of the award. Changes since then of the design and/or grades are noted separately. Dates of institution obtained from Ministry of National Defense and Office of the President, see References below.1 (Grand Cordon)The Order of National Glory and Order of Blue Sky and White Sun had a Rosette device until 19 November 1980Distinguished contributions to national defense8 November 19371 (Grand Cordon)Outstanding contributions to national defense15 May 1929 1 (Special Grand Cordon) Repelling foreign invasion or quelling internal unrest 15 May 19292 (Grand Cordon)3 (Red Grand Cordon)The Order of Precious Tripod, 3rd Class and Order of Resplendent Banner, 3rd Class had no device prior to 19 November 19804 (Special Cravat)The Special Cravat and Cravat grades are neck orders.5 (Cravat)6 (Special Rosette)7 (Rosette)8 (Special Ribbon)9 (Ribbon)1 (Ribbon)Bravery in combat23 September 1944 1 (Special Grand Cordon) Contributions to the nation or quelling internal unrest 15 June 19352 (Grand Cordon)3 (Yellow Grand Cordon)4 (Special Cravat)5 (Cravat)6 (Special Rosette)7 (Rosette)8 (Special Ribbon)9 (Ribbon)1 (Ribbon)10 years' service in the military and meeting academic criteria23 September 19441 (Ribbon)Significant contributions to the Air Force in battle or in its construction14 June 19451 (Ribbon)Bravery in combat with 1,800 hours of flight time or 600 missions in the Air Force14 June 19451 (Ribbon)Bravery in combat with 1,500 hours of flight time or 500 missions in the Air Force14 June 19451 (Ribbon)Bravery in combat with 1,200 hours of flight time or 400 missions in the Air Force14 June 1945 1 (Ribbon)9 kills, 900 hours of flight time or 300 missions in the Air Force 3 December 19372 (Ribbon)6 kills, 750 hours of flight time or 250 missions in the Air Force3 (Ribbon)3 kills, 600 hours of flight time or 200 missions in the Air Force1 (Ribbon)Contributions to the Chinese nation during the Second Sino-Japanese War10 October 19451 (Ribbon)Officers who hold the rank of Major General or above and who have commanded a Division-level unit or above, and took the oath to unify the country in 1926, Guangdong.8 July 1936 Name GradesPrior to 1 August 1935 the Honour Sabre was presented in nine grades, from 9 stars to 1 star, respectively. On the current design, lions are carved in golden relief on the scabbard and hilt. Awarded for Instituted 1 (9 Lions, yellow tassel) Already-highly decorated officers who are deserving of more commendation 23 November 19312 (7 Lions, blue tassel)3 (5 Lions, red tassel)
Military medals General Armed Forces medals Name GradesFor all medals with A and B grades, A grade medals are awarded to officers holding the rank of Major or above, and B grade medals are awarded to soldiers of ranks including and below Captain. Awarded for Ribbon bar Instituted A-1 (Ribbon) Outstanding performance or exhibiting special technical skills 15 August 1929A-2 (Ribbon)B-1 (Ribbon)B-2 (Ribbon) A-1 (Ribbon) Outstanding performance or exhibiting special technical skills 7 September 1937A-2 (Ribbon)B-1 (Ribbon)B-2 (Ribbon) A-1 (Ribbon) Outstanding performance or exhibiting special technical skills 7 September 1937A-2 (Ribbon)B-1 (Ribbon)B-2 (Ribbon)1 (Ribbon and Stars)First time recipients receive 1 silver star; Second time recipients 2 silver stars; Third time 3 silver stars; Beyond 3, every 3 silver stars is exchanged for a gold star.Soldiers who are wounded in combat.Dec 1945 A-1 (Ribbon)Significant contributions to the Armed Forces in the areas of technology, logistics and finance. 12 June 1971A-2 (Ribbon)B-1 (Ribbon)B-2 (Ribbon)1 (Ribbon)Contributions during the Second Sino-Japanese War.8 January 1946
Army medals Name Grades Awarded for Ribbon bar Instituted A (Ribbon) Being victorious in combat, proactively render assistance to friendly troops, and other significant contributions. 5 May 1958B (Ribbon) A (Ribbon) Significant contributions such as destroying enemy forces, securing the border, preventing rebellions or participation in military projects 5 May 1958B (Ribbon) A (Ribbon) Significant contributions during battle, such as destroying enemy fortifications, routing enemy reinforcements, and assisting the main force in combat. 5 May 1958B (Ribbon) A (Ribbon) Significant contributions in research. 5 May 1958B (Ribbon) A (Ribbon) Being corruption-free and highly productive. 5 May 1958B (Ribbon)1-9 (Ribbon and Stars)1 Star for every 3 years of service and meeting academic requirements, up to 9 Stars.5 May 1958
Navy medals Name Grades Awarded for Ribbon bar Instituted1 (Ribbon)Contributions in command or combat, for conspicuous gallantry and those wounded on duty.19 July 19511 (Ribbon)Contributions in combat.19 July 19511 (Ribbon)Contributions to military strategy, military literature and technological research.19 July 19511 (Ribbon)Meeting labour service requirements.19 July 19511 (Ribbon)Those with good moral character, or for excellent performance during exercises or parades.19 July 19511 (Ribbon)Contributions in combat, training, or research.30 August 1972
Air Force medals Name Grades Awarded for Ribbon bar Instituted 1 (9 Stars)9 kills.NA 5 May 19382 (8 Stars)8 kills.NA3 (7 Stars)7 kills.NA4 (6 Stars)6 kills.NA5 (5 Stars)5 kills.NA6 (4 Stars)4 kills.NA7 (3 Stars)3 kills.NA8 (2 Stars)2 kills.NA9 (1 Star)1 kill.NA1 (Ribbon)540 flight hours or 180 missions.NA14 June 19451 (Ribbon)480 flight hours or 160 missions.NA14 June 19451 (Ribbon)420 flight hours or 140 missions.NA14 June 19451 (Ribbon)360 flight hours or 120 missions.NA14 June 19451 (Ribbon)300 flight hours or 100 missions.NA14 June 19451 (Ribbon)180 flight hours or 60 missions.NA14 June 1945 1 (Ribbon) Service to the Air Force.NA 2 March 19392 (Ribbon)NA3 (Ribbon)NA A-1 (Ribbon) Distinguished service in the areas of research, training, competitions and inspections.NA 8 April 1943A-2 (Ribbon)NAB-1 (Ribbon)NAB-2 (Ribbon)NA A-1 (Ribbon) Good conduct.NA 8 April 1943A-2 (Ribbon)NAB-1 (Ribbon)NAB-2 (Ribbon)NA
Victory medals Name Grades Awarded for Ribbon bar Instituted 1 (Ribbon) Achievement in academic competitions.NA 1 August 19352 (Ribbon)NA 1 (Ribbon) Achievement in marksmanship competitions.NA 1 August 19352 (Ribbon)NA 1 (Ribbon) Achievement in riding competitions.NA 1 August 19352 (Ribbon)NA 1 (Ribbon) Achievement in rowing competitions.NA 1 August 19352 (Ribbon)NA 1 (Ribbon) Achievement in aviation competitions.NA 1 August 19352 (Ribbon)NA 1 (Ribbon) Achievement in martial arts or sports competitions.NA 1 August 19352 (Ribbon)NA 1 (Ribbon) Excellence in maintenance work.NA 19 July 19712 (Ribbon)NA
Commemorative and Service awards Name Grades Awarded for Ribbon bar Instituted功標蔣委員長西安蒙難紀念章作戰負傷榮譽紀念章克難英雄紀念章國防部服務紀念章外島地區服務紀念章艱苦地區服務紀念章各軍種服務紀念章軍紀競賽個人優勝榮譽標榮譽旗旗標1Loyalty and bravery.陸海空軍官校榮譽旗旗標
Civilian orders Name Grades Awarded for Ribbon bar Instituted1 (Grand Cordon)President of the Republic of China and Foreign heads of state.2 December 19331 (Grand Cordon)Contributions to national development.12 February 19411 (Grand Cordon)1. Implementation of the Three Principles of the People2. Anti-communism (historical) and National development3. Revival of Chinese culture4. Implementation of democratic reforms11 January 1980 1 (Special Grand Cordon) Contributions to national and societal development. 12 February 19412 (Grand Cordon)3 (Green Grand Cordon)4 (Special Cravat)5 (Cravat)6 (Special Rosette)7 (Rosette)8 (Special Ribbon)9 (Ribbon) 1 (Special Grand Cordon) Contributions to national and societal development. 12 February 19412 (Grand Cordon)3 (Purple Grand Cordon)4 (Special Cravat)5 (Cravat)6 (Special Rosette)7 (Rosette)8 (Special Ribbon)9 (Ribbon)NANANANA 1 (Gold) Contributions to the cultural affairs of the Republic of China. 31 January 20202 (Silver)3 (Bronze)
Defunct orders Prior to the modern system, the Republican government established numerous orders that are now defunct.
Nanjing Era After the founding of the Republic, the Provisional Government of the Republic of China (1912) in Nanjing established the following orders in 1912: Order of the Nine Tripods (九鼎勳章): 9 grades, a military decoration. Order of Tiger and Bear (虎羆勳章): 9 grades, a military decoration. Order of the Waking Lion (醒獅勳章): 9 grades, mixed military and civilian decoration.
Beiyang Era The Beiyang government re-established the honour system with the following orders: Grand Merit Order (大勳章): for ceremonial use by the Head of State. Badge of Mongolian, Hui and Tibetan Nobility (蒙回藏爵章): 5 grades, awarded to lords of Mongolia, Xinjiang and Tibet who bore Qing dynasty princely and ducal titles. The grades of this order correspond to Qing's princely ranks. Order of Rank and Merit (勳位章): 5 grades, highest general decoration. Order of Precious Brilliant Golden Grain (寶光嘉禾勳章): 5 grades and 6 classes, awarded only to high-level officials. Order of the Golden Grain (嘉禾勳章): 9 grades, civilian decoration. Order of the White Eagle (白鷹勳章): 9 grades. Order of the Striped Tiger (文虎勳章): 9 grades, military decoration. Order of Cloud and Crane (雲鶴勳章) Order of the Golden Lion (金獅勳章) Order of the Nebula (星雲勳章) Order of the Begonia (棠勳章) Medal of Compassion (慈惠章): awarded to women in charitable works.
Various warlords also issued their own orders and commemorative medals.
See also Imperial yellow jacket Mandarin square Nine bestowments Order of the Double Dragon
Notes
References
Explanation of Decorations. Department of Public Service, Ministry of National Defense, ROC. Orders, Decorations and Medals of Taiwan (Republic of China). Medals of the World. National Seal and Orders. Office of the President, Republic of China (Taiwan).