Miniature gilt-edged black enamel cross pattée alisée all within a blue-grey enamel ring, with loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a circular central gilt medallion bearing the full-face head and shoulders portrait of General José María Córdova Muñoz, a gilt-edged red enamel triangle pointing outwards on each arm. the encircling ring inscribed ‘ORDEN AL MERITO GENERAL JOSE MARIA CORDOBA’; the reverse plain gilt with a circular central gilt medallion inscribed ‘ARMAS / A / DISCRECION / PASO DE / VENCEDORES’ (Arms at will, forward pace of the victors - from the famous command of Córdova given during the Battle of Ayacucho “División, armas a discreción, de frente, paso de vencedores”); diameter 15.51mm (0.61 inch); slight loss of grey-blue enamel from the outer edge of the ring at the top, the bottom and the lower left; on a short length of correct ribbon. The Order was instituted on 23 December 1950 in six grades to be awarded for acts of valour or outstanding service and may be awarded to both members of the Colombian military and foreigners. General José María Córdova Muñoz (1799-1829) was a leading Colombian military figure in the wars of independence against Spain and is known as the Hero of Ayacucho for his crucial role in the battle that led to the independence of Peru.
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