Orders, decorations, and medals of Georgia

State decorations are medals and orders granted by the Government of Georgia for meritorious achievements in national defense, state improvement, and development of democracy and human rights.

They may be granted to any citizen of Georgia and to a person with a foreign citizenship or without any citizenship. Individuals may also be honored with medals and orders of Georgia posthumously. Nominations are made by government officials.

Most of the Georgian state decorations were established in 1992. Six years later, in 1998, the Order of the Golden Fleece was created, and in 2004 the St. George's Victory Order and the Order of the National Hero of Georgia were added.

Current decorations

Order of the National Hero of Georgia

Established in 2004, the Order of the National Hero of Georgia is the country's highest state decoration exclusively granted for heroism. Among others, it was awarded to Zhiuli Shartava (posthumously, 2004), Zaza Damenia (posthumously, 2008), John McCain (2010), Lech Kaczyński (posthumously, 2010), Giorgi Antsukhelidze (posthumously, 2013), Zurab Iarajuli (posthumously, 2013).

St. George's Victory Order

Established in 2004, the St. George's Victory Order is awarded to individuals who have significantly contributed to victorious battles.

Order of St. Nicholas

Established on July 31, 2009 in accordance to parliament decree number 1553 the Order of St. Nicholas is awarded to individuals for outstanding charitable or social activities in free service to the country and the people.

Order of David IV The Builder

Created in 1992, the Order of David IV of Georgia is given to regular citizens, military and clerical personnel for outstanding contributions to the country, for fighting for the independence of Georgia and its revival, and for significantly contributing to social consolidation and development of democracy.

Order of Queen Tamar

Established in 2009, the Order of Queen Tamar is awarded to regular citizens for their significant achievements in public or social spheres and outstanding service to the country and its people.

Order of the Golden Fleece

Established in 1998, the Order of the Golden Fleece is awarded to individuals with foreign citizenship and those holding no citizenship who have significantly contributed to governmental improvement, national security interests, sovereignty and protection of territorial unity, formation of democratic and free society, development of useful bilateral relationships with foreign countries and international organizations, protection of rights of Georgian citizens living abroad, popularization of Georgian culture, and development of Georgian science and art. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is a notable recipient of the Order.^[1]

Vakhtang Gorgasali Order

Established in 1992, the Vakhtang Gorgasali Order is a three-class military decoration awarded to personnel who displayed courage and heroism in the fight for protection of their motherland and its territorial unification, while skillfully leading them, protected military division, created and carried out military operations.

Medal Devotion to Motherland

Awarded to military personnel for distinguished success in benefit of the country's defence during war and peace time;
- to military units for successful operations
- to military individuals for extraordinary bravery and devotion to duty in life-threatening situations
- to single military individuals and units for extraordinary performance during a state of emergency

Order of Honor

Established in 1992, the Order of Honor is awarded to citizens who took part in the building process of an independent government – devoted themselves, displayed heroism and actively participated in approving and sustaining the following – governing, defense, law and order, farming, health protection, achievement in the fields of science, education, culture, literature, art and sports.

Military Courage Medal

Created in 1992, the Military Courage Medal is awarded to military and police personnel for protection of motherland while displaying bravery and courage when carrying out military duties, for heroic and daring actions.

Military Honor Medal

Established in 1992, the Military Honor Medal is awarded to Georgian military personnel and citizens who actively participated in the protection of their motherland and its territorial unity.

Honor Medal

Established in 1992, the Honor Medal is awarded to Georgian citizens who actively participated in the revival of Georgia and devoted themselves to noble deeds.

Didgori Cross

Established in 2014, the Didgori Cross is awarded to servicemen and women of the Georgian Armed Forces for extraordinary courage and achievements during battle, leadership and initiative. Major Vitali Zkhadadze of the Georgian Armed Forces 43rd battalion, 4th Mechanized Infantry Brigade is the first soldier who got awarded with the Didgori Cross on the day of its establishment.