Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria


The Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria is a national honour awarded by the Republic of Austria.
The decoration is awarded in 15 grades and is Austria's highest national honour.

History

The "Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria" was established by the National Council in 1952. It is conferred by the Republic of Austria to honour people who have rendered meritorious services to the country. Recipients are selected by the government. The awards are made by the President in accordance with the respective laws. The State President of Austria automatically receives the "Grand Star of the Decoration for Services to the Republic of Austria" by being elected to the office and holds this honour for life. The decoration should not be confused with other decorations in the Austrian honours system such as the "Austrian Decoration for Science and Art".

Classes

The Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria is divided into the 15 classes as follows:
  1. Grand Star
  2. Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Sash
  3. Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver with Sash
  4. Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Star
  5. Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver with Star
  6. Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold
  7. Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver
  8. Grand Decoration of Honour
  9. Decoration of Honour in Gold
  10. Decoration of Honour in Silver
  11. Decoration of Merit in Gold
  12. Decoration of Merit in Silver
  13. Gold Medal
  14. Silver Medal
  15. Bronze Medal, no longer awarded
The "Gold Medal for Services to the Republic of Austria" may also be conferred as "Gold Medal with Red Riband" awarded for bravery and lifesaving.

Notable recipients

See also List of honours of Austria awarded to heads of state and royalty
Below is a list of all Grand Star recipients and other notable recipients, in chronological order with year of award in parentheses:.

Grand Star recipients

Royal Houses