| Order of the White Eagle with the swords Serbian: Орден белог орла с мачевима | |
| Type: | State order |
| Eligibility: | Serbian citizens and institutions |
| For: | Special merits in the development of the defense system of Serbia or in commanding, leading and training military units and institutions for the defense of Serbia |
| Status: | Active |
| First Induction: | 2009 |
| Higher: | Sretenje Order |
| Lower: | Order of Merits in Defense and Security |
Order of the White Eagle with the swords (Serbian: Орден белог орла с мачевима|Orden belog orla s mačevima) is the fifth highest state order of Serbia.The order is awarded by the decree of the President of the Republic on special occasions, typically at the ceremonies held on the Statehood Day. It is awarded for merits in the fields of defense and military merits.[1]
The Order of the White Eagle was a state order in the Kingdom of Serbia (1883–1918) and in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1918–1945). It continues to be a dynastic order as well, with appointments currently made by Alexander, Crown Prince of Yugoslavia.
King Milan I established the Order of the White Eagle in 1883. In 1945, with the abolition of the monarchy, the order was in effect abolished. Since the end of Yugoslavia, the dynastic order continues to be awarded by Alexander, Crown Prince of Yugoslavia, as the senior representative of the Crown.[2]
Order of the White Eagle was re-established in 2010 when the National Assembly adopted the amendments to the Law on Decorations of the Republic of Serbia. Since the order was re-introduced, the first person to receive it was General Ljubiša Diković, Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces.[3]
Order of the White Eagle with the swords has three classes.