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What does the medal look like?

The medal is a beautiful cross covered in blue enamel with shiny gold edges. It often shows the royal initials of the king who gave it or special dates from the war. It was designed to look very important so that everyone would know the person wearing it was a true hero.

Who was Michael the Brave?

Michael the Brave was a famous prince who ruled hundreds of years ago. In the year 1600, he successfully joined different Romanian lands together for the first time. He is a national hero in Romania, which is why the country named its highest honor after him.

Can regular soldiers earn this award?

This medal is very special and was made just for military officers. It was meant to reward leaders who showed amazing bravery and made great choices while fighting in battles. Because of this, it was not given to regular soldiers, but to the commanders who led them.

Was it handed out during the Cold War?

No, the medal was not used during that time at all. In 1947, a new communist government took control of Romania and decided to stop using medals that honored the old kings. The order disappeared for many years because the new leaders wanted to change how the country worked.

Is the medal still used today?

Yes, the country brought the medal back in the year 2000. It is once again the most important military honor that Romania can give to its bravest officers. It serves as a way to remember the country's history and honor those who protect it.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is a beautiful cross covered in blue enamel with shiny gold edges. It often shows the royal initials of the king who gave it or special dates from the war. It was designed to look very important so that everyone would know the person wearing it was a true hero.

Who was Michael the Brave?

Michael the Brave was a famous prince who ruled hundreds of years ago. In the year 1600, he successfully joined different Romanian lands together for the first time. He is a national hero in Romania, which is why the country named its highest honor after him.

Can regular soldiers earn this award?

This medal is very special and was made just for military officers. It was meant to reward leaders who showed amazing bravery and made great choices while fighting in battles. Because of this, it was not given to regular soldiers, but to the commanders who led them.

Was it handed out during the Cold War?

No, the medal was not used during that time at all. In 1947, a new communist government took control of Romania and decided to stop using medals that honored the old kings. The order disappeared for many years because the new leaders wanted to change how the country worked.

Is the medal still used today?

Yes, the country brought the medal back in the year 2000. It is once again the most important military honor that Romania can give to its bravest officers. It serves as a way to remember the country's history and honor those who protect it.

Home Library RomaniaOrder of Michael the Brave

Valor decoration

Order of Michael the Brave

This is Romania's highest military decoration awarded to officers for extraordinary heroism on the battlefield.

Romania Established 1916 All servicesPrecedence: Highest Romanian military decoration for wartime valor

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded to military officers for supreme bravery, leadership, and outstanding deeds during wartime.

Eligibility

Officers and military units of the Romanian Armed Forces and allied militaries.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Highest Romanian military decoration for wartime valor

Order of Michael the Brave, Valor decoration, Romania medal

History

King Ferdinand I created this award in September 1916 during World War I. It was named after Prince Michael the Brave, who united the Romanian principalities in 1600. The decoration was designed to honor officers who showed the highest bravery and leadership during combat.

The medal changed slightly across history depending on who ruled Romania. It was awarded heavily during World War I and World War II, both when Romania fought alongside Germany and later when it fought with the Allies. The communist government abolished the order in 1947, but Romania restored it in 2000 as the nation's supreme military honor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War I World War II

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Horia Agarici, including Order of Aeronautical Virtue, Order of Michael the Brave, Military Virtue Medal, shown against a light Romania flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Order of Aeronautical Virtue Order of Michael the Brave Military Virtue Medal

Horia Agarici

Who Was Horia Agarici?

A famous Romanian fighter pilot known for his defense of the city of Constanta.

RomaniaJune 23, 1941

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Sources

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