| Order of the Cross of the Eagle | |
| Type: | Order granted in 5 classes with three affiliated crosses, in both civil and military divisions. |
| Eligibility: | Civilians and military personnel |
| Awarded For: | Military services and services in the field of national defence |
| Established: | 17 February 1928 13 September 1936 as a state order |
| Higher: | Order of the White Star |
| Same: | Order of the Estonian Red Cross |
The Order of the Cross of the Eagle (Estonian: Kotkaristi teenetemärk; French: Ordre de la Croix de l'Aigle) was instituted in 1928 by the Estonian Defence League to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Estonian independence. It was adopted as a state order in 1936.[1] The Order of the Cross of the Eagle is bestowed to give recognition for military services and services in the field of national defence. It is awarded in civil and military divisions. The awards made to members of the military are denoted by the addition of crossed swords to the decoration.[2]
The Order of the Cross of the Eagle comprises eight classes:
The crosses of all the classes of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle have the same design.
The colour tone of the orange moiré ribands belonging to the decorations of all the classes of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle is determined according to the international PANTONE colour-table as 137 MC.[3]
The Order of the Cross of the Eagle is a military decoration if two crossed swords are affixed to it as follows:
The medals of the affiliated crosses of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle have swords in the same metal as their cross.[4]