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Who can earn this order?

This award is mainly for high-ranking officers and senior leaders in the Somali National Army. It recognizes soldiers who show great skill and stay very loyal to their country throughout their careers. These leaders are chosen because they serve with special honor and show great dedication. It is meant to reward those who have reached the top levels of military service.

What does this award represent?

The medal stands for strong leadership and outstanding hard work. It was created in the 1970s to show that the army valued excellence in tactics and how well things were organized. When a soldier earns this, it proves they have made major contributions to the strength of the national defense. It is a sign of great pride within the army establishment.

Is this a campaign medal?

No, it is not a campaign medal given for fighting in one specific battle or war. It is a special award for distinguished service that lasts throughout a soldier's long career. It marks high achievement and dedication to the job rather than just time spent in a conflict like the Ogaden War. It honors the professional growth and work of a soldier over many years.

Can other branches earn it?

This order is specifically meant for the ground forces of the Somali National Army. While it is tied to the army, leaders who work in joint commands with other branches might sometimes be considered if they lead ground soldiers. It stays focused on the pride and professional excellence of those working within the army. It is an exclusive award meant only for the most dedicated army members.

Where is it worn on a uniform?

This is a very important medal, so it is worn high on the chest of a uniform. It ranks just after the famous Order of the Somali Star in terms of importance. Because it is a senior order, it is meant to be seen clearly by others as a sign of great respect. Wearing it shows that the person has achieved a high level of honor in their military duty.

Who can earn this order?

This award is mainly for high-ranking officers and senior leaders in the Somali National Army. It recognizes soldiers who show great skill and stay very loyal to their country throughout their careers. These leaders are chosen because they serve with special honor and show great dedication. It is meant to reward those who have reached the top levels of military service.

What does this award represent?

The medal stands for strong leadership and outstanding hard work. It was created in the 1970s to show that the army valued excellence in tactics and how well things were organized. When a soldier earns this, it proves they have made major contributions to the strength of the national defense. It is a sign of great pride within the army establishment.

Is this a campaign medal?

No, it is not a campaign medal given for fighting in one specific battle or war. It is a special award for distinguished service that lasts throughout a soldier's long career. It marks high achievement and dedication to the job rather than just time spent in a conflict like the Ogaden War. It honors the professional growth and work of a soldier over many years.

Can other branches earn it?

This order is specifically meant for the ground forces of the Somali National Army. While it is tied to the army, leaders who work in joint commands with other branches might sometimes be considered if they lead ground soldiers. It stays focused on the pride and professional excellence of those working within the army. It is an exclusive award meant only for the most dedicated army members.

Where is it worn on a uniform?

This is a very important medal, so it is worn high on the chest of a uniform. It ranks just after the famous Order of the Somali Star in terms of importance. Because it is a senior order, it is meant to be seen clearly by others as a sign of great respect. Wearing it shows that the person has achieved a high level of honor in their military duty.

Home Library SomaliaSomali National Army Order of Honor

Distinguished service decoration

Somali National Army Order of Honor

A high-ranking institutional order awarded for exceptional leadership and distinguished service in the army.

Somalia Established 1970s Somali National ArmyPrecedence: Senior order, placed immediately following the Order of the Somali Star

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for exceptional leadership, distinguished service, and outstanding dedication to the army.

Eligibility

Officers and senior personnel of the Somali National Army.

Branch

Somali National Army

Precedence

Senior order, placed immediately following the Order of the Somali Star

Somali National Army Order of Honor, Distinguished service decoration, Somalia medal

History

The Somali National Army Order of Honor was instituted to celebrate outstanding leadership, devotion, and high administrative or tactical achievement within the ground forces. It served as an exclusive military order within the army establishment.

Recipients were typically senior commanders or soldiers whose careers demonstrated exceptional commitment to national defense. During periods of military reorganization, this award helped emphasize professional excellence and institutional pride.

The order remains one of the premier decorations specifically honoring leadership and service within the armed forces hierarchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Ogaden WarSomali Civil War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Mohamed Siad Barre, including Medal for Military Service, National Liberation Medal, Defence Superior Service Medal, Foundation of the Supreme Revolutionary Council Medal, Gold Medal for Bravery and Service, Somali National Army Order of Honor, Medal for the War with Ethiopia, Medal for the Ogaden War, Medal for Military Valour, Order of the Somali Star, shown against a light Somalia flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

Medal for Military Service National Liberation Medal Defence Superior Service Medal+7

Mohamed Siad Barre

Who Was Major General Mohamed Siad Barre?

Leader of Somalia during the Cold War and the Ogaden conflict.

Somalia1977-1978

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Sources

Back to Somalia