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Miniature gilt-edged blue enamel cross pattée with gilt crossed swords between the arms, on laterally-pierced ball suspension; the face with a gilt radiant rising golden ‘Sun of May’ imposed centrally; the reverse plain gilt, a circular central medallion imposed bearing the stylised letters ‘OM’ on a stippled ground; diameter 14.88mm (0.58 inch); on original ribbon with rosette on gold thread denoting an award of the grand cross grade and with brooch bar mounted for wear. The Order was instituted by Law 14955 of 16 November 1979 in five classes to be awarded ‘a militares y civiles, nacionales o extranjeros, en virtud de servicios distinguidos y obras personales relevantes, que los hagan acreedores al reconocimiento del Ejército’ (to military and civilians, national and foreign citizens, who render distinguished service and make a significant personal contribution to the recognition and credit of the army). José Gervasio Artigas Arnal (1764-1850), ‘the father of Uruguayan nationhood’, fought Spanish, British, Portuguese and Argentinean forces from 1797 until 1820. Eventually defeated and exiled to Paraguay, his example made him a hero to Uruguayans and an inspiration for eventual independence in 1828.
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