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Miniature eight-pointed silver-gilt star with chiselled graduated rays, a loop to the reverse for ribbon suspension; the face with an oval central pale blue enamel medallion bearing the gilt head and shoulders portrait in relief of Peruvian Air Force Captain José Abelardo Quiñones Gonzáles within a red enamel ring inscribed in gilt characters ‘CAPITÁN FAP JOSE A. QUINONES 23 Julio 1941’, a spread avian wing to either side; the reverse plain gilt with ‘925’ silver proof mark; width 16.98mm (0.67 inch); on a correct paper representation of the ribbon. The Order was instituted in four classes (Special Grand Cross, Grand Cross, Grand Officer and Commander) by Decree Law No.21207 of 8 July 1975 to be awarded to members of the Peruvian Air Force and, exceptionally, to other members of the Armed Forces and Police Force and those not belonging to the Air Force of Peru for actions or meritorious service on behalf of the Air Force of Peru of exceptional courage and heroic sacrifice. Peruvian Air Force Captain José Abelardo Quiñones Gonzáles was military aviator in the 41st Escuadrilla (Squadron) during the war with Ecuador. His aircraft, a North American NA-50, was shot down on 23 July 1941 by Ecuadorian air defences at Quebrada Seca whilst he was flying in support of ground troops engaged in the Battle of Zarumilla. Too low to bale out, Captain Quiñones deliberately crashed his aircraft into the air defence battery. His body was returned with full honours to the Peruvian authorities by Ecuador on 19 October 1941. On 10 May 1966, he was declared a national hero of Peru and the Order was instituted as a permanent reminder of his courage and self-sacrifice. The miniatures for grand officer and commander are identical.
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