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What animals are shown on the medal?

The medal features three sacred white elephants standing together beneath a royal golden umbrella. In the culture of Laos, the white elephant is a very special sign of great power and good luck. These symbols were chosen to honor the history of the land and the royal family.

Who created this decoration?

King Sisavang Vong started this award in May 1909. At that time, he was the leader of the Kingdom of Luang Prabang. He wanted a special way to honor leaders and brave soldiers who did great work for his country.

Did foreign soldiers ever receive this award?

Yes, many foreign military leaders and soldiers were given this medal. During World War II and the First Indochina War, many French commanders received it for helping defend the nation. It was a way for the Kingdom of Laos to say thank you to allies who worked hard to protect the people.

Is this medal still awarded by Laos today?

No, this medal is no longer given out by the government. The royal way of ruling in Laos came to an end in 1975. After that, the new government decided to stop using all royal honors and medals from the past.

How many levels did the order have?

The order eventually grew to include five different levels. These levels started at the rank of Knight and went all the way up to the highest rank, which was the Grand Cross. Having these five classes allowed the King to give a fair reward to many different people for their service.

What animals are shown on the medal?

The medal features three sacred white elephants standing together beneath a royal golden umbrella. In the culture of Laos, the white elephant is a very special sign of great power and good luck. These symbols were chosen to honor the history of the land and the royal family.

Who created this decoration?

King Sisavang Vong started this award in May 1909. At that time, he was the leader of the Kingdom of Luang Prabang. He wanted a special way to honor leaders and brave soldiers who did great work for his country.

Did foreign soldiers ever receive this award?

Yes, many foreign military leaders and soldiers were given this medal. During World War II and the First Indochina War, many French commanders received it for helping defend the nation. It was a way for the Kingdom of Laos to say thank you to allies who worked hard to protect the people.

Is this medal still awarded by Laos today?

No, this medal is no longer given out by the government. The royal way of ruling in Laos came to an end in 1975. After that, the new government decided to stop using all royal honors and medals from the past.

How many levels did the order have?

The order eventually grew to include five different levels. These levels started at the rank of Knight and went all the way up to the highest rank, which was the Grand Cross. Having these five classes allowed the King to give a fair reward to many different people for their service.

Home Library LaosOrder of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol

Distinguished service decoration

Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol

A prestigious royal decoration given to brave military officers and distinguished leaders for outstanding service to Laos.

Laos Established 1909 All servicesPrecedence: 1st in the Kingdom of Laos honours system

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for exceptional civil leadership and extraordinary military service to the Kingdom of Laos.

Eligibility

Open to Laotian military officers, state officials, and foreign military personnel.

Branch

All services

Precedence

1st in the Kingdom of Laos honours system

Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol, Distinguished service decoration, Laos medal

History

King Sisavang Vong created this award in May 1909 while leading the Kingdom of Luang Prabang. Over time, it grew from a single class to five different levels, including Knight and Grand Cross. The medal features three sacred white elephants standing together beneath a royal golden umbrella.

Throughout the 20th century, the King presented this medal to top generals, brave soldiers, and allied officers. During World War II and the First Indochina War, many French commanders who helped defend the nation received it. It became the most famous award of the Royal Lao Armed Forces.

When the monarchy ended in 1975, the communist government stopped issuing the medal. Today, it remains one of the most recognized historical symbols of royal Lao military heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War IIFirst Indochina WarLaotian Civil War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Vang Pao, including Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol, Order of the Crown of Laos, Order of Freedom, Combat Veterans Medal, shown against a light Laos flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol Order of the Crown of Laos Order of Freedom+1

Vang Pao

Who Was Major General Vang Pao?

A Hmong leader who commanded guerrilla forces in Laos during the Cold War.

Laos1960-1975

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Sources

Back to Laos