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Who was Saint Hermenegild?

Saint Hermenegild was a royal prince from a group called the Visigoths who lived in Spain during the 6th century. He was later made a saint because he died for his religious beliefs. In 1814, King Ferdinand VII chose him to be the face of this medal to represent deep courage and loyalty to the country.

What is this award given for?

This medal rewards Spanish military members who have spent a very long time serving their country. A soldier must finish many years of active duty to be considered for the honor. They also must show they have been faithful and followed every rule without any mistakes during their entire career.

Can enlisted personnel join the order?

Yes, this award is not just for high-ranking generals or top leaders. Both commissioned officers and senior non-commissioned officers are allowed to earn it. This allows the Spanish military to show respect for the hard work of many different people in the armed forces.

Does it have different classes?

Yes, there are four different levels or classes for this order. These classes depend on the person's military rank and how many years they have served. As a soldier stays in the military longer and earns a higher rank, they can earn a higher class of this medal.

Who is the Grand Master of the order?

The current King of Spain is the leader of the order and holds the title of Grand Master. This special job shows just how important this award is to the history of Spain. The King helps look after the rules and traditions that make this medal a special honor.

Who was Saint Hermenegild?

Saint Hermenegild was a royal prince from a group called the Visigoths who lived in Spain during the 6th century. He was later made a saint because he died for his religious beliefs. In 1814, King Ferdinand VII chose him to be the face of this medal to represent deep courage and loyalty to the country.

What is this award given for?

This medal rewards Spanish military members who have spent a very long time serving their country. A soldier must finish many years of active duty to be considered for the honor. They also must show they have been faithful and followed every rule without any mistakes during their entire career.

Can enlisted personnel join the order?

Yes, this award is not just for high-ranking generals or top leaders. Both commissioned officers and senior non-commissioned officers are allowed to earn it. This allows the Spanish military to show respect for the hard work of many different people in the armed forces.

Does it have different classes?

Yes, there are four different levels or classes for this order. These classes depend on the person's military rank and how many years they have served. As a soldier stays in the military longer and earns a higher rank, they can earn a higher class of this medal.

Who is the Grand Master of the order?

The current King of Spain is the leader of the order and holds the title of Grand Master. This special job shows just how important this award is to the history of Spain. The King helps look after the rules and traditions that make this medal a special honor.

Home Library SpainRoyal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild

Service medal

Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild

An honorable order rewarding Spanish military officers and non-commissioned officers for long and blameless service.

Spain Established 1814 All servicesPrecedence: Follows the crosses of merit in the order of precedence

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for completing long, faithful, and blameless active service in the armed forces.

Eligibility

Commissioned officers and senior non-commissioned officers of the Spanish Armed Forces.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Follows the crosses of merit in the order of precedence

Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild, Service medal, Spain medal

History

King Ferdinand VII founded the Order of Saint Hermenegild in 1814 after the Peninsular War. It was named after a royal Visigothic saint and created to reward officers who served Spain loyally over many years.

Throughout the 20th century, the order evolved to include non-commissioned officers and modernized service criteria. It survived political changes from monarchy to republic, dictatorship, and back to a constitutional monarchy. Today, it remains Spain's premier long-service order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Rif WarSpanish Civil War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Francisco Franco, including Campaign Medal of the Civil War, Long Military Service Cross, Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild, Cross of Military Merit with Red Decoration, Military Medal, Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand, shown against a light Spain flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Campaign Medal of the Civil War Long Military Service Cross Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild+3

Francisco Franco

Who Was Generalissimo Francisco Franco?

The supreme leader of Spain who rose to power through a military uprising.

Spain1936-1939

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Sources

Back to Spain