Tschechien

 

Law Gazette, No. 157/1994

The Parliament has approved the following Act of the Czech Republic:
Section 1
(1) State decorations of the Czech Republic (hereinafter referred to only as "decorations") conferred upon or awarded to individuals are an expression of recognition on the part of the state of eminent contributions to the building of a free democratic society, professional accomplishments, distinguished service to the defence of the country, heroism and other exceptional deeds.
(2) Decorations come in two forms: orders and medals.
(3) Orders represent the higher form of decoration; they are conferred upon citizens of the Czech Republic and awarded to persons who are not citizens of the Czech Republic.
(4) Medals represent the lower form of decoration; they are awarded.
Section 2
The Order of the White Lion is hereby established as the highest decoration bestowed upon individuals to recognize superior accomplishments contributing to the welfare of the Czech Republic.
Section 3
The Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Order is hereby established to recognize eminent contributions to the furtherance of democracy, humanity and human rights.
Section 4
The Medal for Heroism is hereby established to recognize heroism in combat and deeds performed by individuals at the risk of their own lives with the view of saving other human lives or substantial material values.
Section 5
The Medal of Merit is hereby established to recognize meritorious service to the state or a territorial self-governing entity.
Section 6
The particulars on the decorations referred to in Sections 2 to 5 and on the conferment and award thereof are laid down in their respective Statutes which form part of this Act as Annexes 1 to 4.
Section 7
The right to confer and award decorations shall rest with the President of the Republic, unless he/she delegates this power to another authority.
Section 8
Proposals for the conferment or award of decorations shall be submitted to the President of the Republic by the House of Deputies, the Senate or the Government; the President of the Republic may also confer or award a decoration without receiving such proposal.
Section 9
The presentation of decorations conferred or awarded by the President of the Republic may be performed by a person whom the President has designated to do so.
Section 10
The decoration holder shall receive the insignia of the decoration and a certificate on the conferment or award. When a decoration is conferred upon or awarded to a citizen of the Czech Republic in memoriam, the survivors of a person on whom an order has been conferred shall receive the certificate only; the survivors of a person who has been awarded a medal shall receive both the insignia and the certificate. When a decoration is awarded in memoriam to a person who was not a citizen of the Czech Republic the survivors shall receive both the insignia and the certificate.
Section 11
(1) No one but the decoration holder shall be entitled to wear the insignia of the decoration.
(2) After the demise of a holder of an order who was a citizen of the Czech Republic his/her numbered insignia of the order shall be returned to the Office of the President of the Republic. After the demise of a person who has been decorated with a medal or the demise of a holder of an order who was not a citizen of the Czech Republic the survivors shall keep both the insignia and the certificate on the award. If there are no survivors the insignia and the certificate shall be returned to the Office of the President of the Republic.
(3) A decoration holder who has been sentenced by a final judgment of a court to be divested of his/her honorary titles and decorations shall be required to return the decoration that had been bestowed upon him/her, by either conferment or award, to the Office of the President of the Republic.
Section 12
(1) The orders, crosses, medals and other decorations shall be worn in the following order of precedence:
a) The Order of the White Lion
b) The Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Order
c) Czechoslovak orders
d) foreign orders in the order of precedence according to class and time of bestowal
e) The Medal for Heroism
f) The Medal of Merit
g) Czechoslovak crosses, medals and other decorations
h) foreign crosses, medals and other decorations in the order of precedence according to grade and time of bestowal.
(2) The decoration holders may wear miniatures of their decorations when appearing in formal attire.
Section 13
The days designated for the bestowal of decorations under this Act, by either conferment or award, upon citizens of the Czech Republic shall be 1 January and 28 October.
Section 14
The Act on the State Decorations of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic (Law Gazette, No. 404/1990), with the exception of the provisions of Sections 16 and 18, and the Government Decree on the Medal for Heroic Action and the Honorary Title of Merit for Deserving Members of the Firemen's Corps (Law Gazette, No. 35/1986) are hereby repealed.
Section 15
This Act shall enter into force on the day of its promulgation.
(Signed):
Uhde
Havel
Klaus

 (Law Gazette, No. 157/1994, Annex 1)
Article 1
The Order of the White Lion shall be conferred or awarded by the President of the Republic
a) to honour citizens of the Czech Republic for most distinguished services to the state, particularly in the fields of politics, public administration, furtherance of the nation's economy, science, technology, culture, arts or education, for eminent contributions to the defence and security of the state, for excellent command and combat performance, for scientific accomplishments and expertise in the military and defence fields and for illustrious deeds enhancing the nation's international reputation;
b) to honour persons who are not citizens of the Czech Republic for superior accomplishments contributing to the welfare of the Czech Republic. Article 2
(1) The Order of the White Lion comes in five classes, First Class being the highest, and includes a collar chain; the collar chain of the Order may be awarded solely to Heads of State.
(2) The Order of the White Lion comprises two divisions - Civil Division and Military Division.
Article 3
When a higher class of the Order has been conferred upon a person previously holding a lower class the insignia of the lower class shall be returned to the Office of the President of the Republic.
Article 4
The President of the Republic shall be entitled to wear the insignia of the First Class of the Order, including the collar chain of the Order. After a President has left office, the insignia may be conferred upon him/her for life if both Chambers of the Parliament so decide.
Article 5
The holder of the Order shall receive a numbered specimen of the insignia of the Order with a numbered certificate.
Article 6
(1) The badge of the Order of the White Lion is a garnet red enamelled star-shaped ornament with five arms. The arms are joined together by linden leaves with stems pointing towards the centre. A central medallion on the obverse of the badge takes the form of a crowned two-tailed silver lion extending over the arms. A medallion placed centrally on the reverse of the badge bears the Greater Coat of Arms of the Czech Republic encircled by a raised golden ring with the words "PRAVDA VITEZI" ("Truth Shall Prevail") inscribed in blue and a blue linden leaf between the letters at the bottom. The upper arm of the badge is attached to a suspension which takes the form of an elliptical linden wreath with palm leaves lying across it on the insignia of the Civil Division and crossed swords, points up, on that of the Military one. The coat of arms, the suspension, the ring, the frame of the badge and the linden leaves are made of gilded silver.
(2) The insignia of the First Class of the Order consists of the badge of the Order on a ribbon-sash to be worn across the breast, extended from the right shoulder to the left hip, and a star to be worn on the left side of the breast. The diameter of the badge is 68 mm, the linden wreath which forms the suspension is 35 by 25 mm in size. The ribbon-sash is 100 mm wide, red-white-red- white-red, the widths of the stripes being 5-15-60-15-5 mm. At the point where the ends of the ribbon-sash meet a bow is attached, covering a fastener to hold the badge. The red on all ribbons is scarlet red. The star, made up of brilliant silver rays, is eight-pointed, 90 mm in diameter; a garnet red medallion placed at its centre bears a plastic crowned two-tailed silver lion encircled by a ring with the words "PRAVDA VITEZI" ("Truth Shall Prevail") inscribed in silver and a silver linden leaf between the letters at the bottom. The central piece on the reverse of the star bears the Greater Coat of Arms of the Czech Republic.
(3) The collar chain of the Order is made up of twenty links joined together by shorter chains extending between every two neighbouring links along the collar's inner and outer boundaries. The suspension link to hold the badge takes the form of a white enamelled monogram with the initials "CR" (for "Èeská republika", i.e. "The Czech Republic"). The other links take the form of silver lions with the inscription "PRAVDA VITEZI" ("Truth Shall Prevail"). The suspension link is 40 by 30 mm in size, the collar chain is made of heavily gilded silver, the links are 2 mm thick.
(4) The insignia of the Second Class of the Order consists of the badge of the Order on a neck ribbon and a smaller star to be worn on the right side of the breast. The diameter of the badge is 62 mm, the suspension is 30 by 20 mm in size and comes with a perpendicular, garnet enamelled, trapezoid suspension loop, which is 35 by 8 by 4 mm in size. The neck ribbon is 45 mm wide, red-white-red-white-red, the widths of the stripes being 3-7-25- 7-3 mm. The star is the same as that of the First Class, except that its diameter is 70 mm. The central piece on the reverse of the star bears the Greater Coat of Arms of the Czech Republic.
(5) The insignia of the Third Class of the Order is the same as that of the Second Class, except that it does not include the star.
(6) The insignia of the Fourth Class of the Order consists of the badge of the Order, 45 mm in diameter, with the suspension, which is 20 by 15 mm in size. The badge is suspended from a breast ribbon, threaded through, 38 mm wide, with a rosette whose diameter is 20 mm; the ribbon is red-white-red-white-red, the widths of the stripes being 2-6-22-6-2 mm.
(7) The insignia of the Fifth Class of the Order is made of silver, except for the enamelled parts; no rosette comes with the breast ribbon. In all other respects, the insignia is the same as that of the Fourth Class.
(8) On such occasions when the insignia of the Order is not to be worn "in natura" substitute ribbons, 38 by 10 mm in size, replace it when the holder appears in uniform. The ribbons come with different embellishments as follows: First Class: a silver miniature of a lion with two linden leaves; Second Class: a silver miniature of a lion; Third Class: a rosette on a bed of gold thread; Fourth Class: a rosette; Fifth Class: no additional embellishment.
(9) When the holder appears in civilian attire rosettes are worn in the buttonhole of the left lapel, coming with different embellishments as follows: First Class: a lion and a bed of gold thread; Second Class: a lion and a bed of silver thread; Third Class: a bed of gold thread; Fourth Class: a bed of silver thread; Fifth Class: no additional embellishment. The diameter of the rosettes is 8 mm, the beds are 16 by 6 mm in size.
(10) The registration numbers are inscribed on the reverse of the suspension attached to the badge of the Order, on the reverse of the suspension link of the collar chain and on the upper edge of the central piece on the reverse of the star.
Article 7
On ceremonial occasions the insignia of the Order shall be worn "in natura"; the holder shall wear only the insignia of the highest class bestowed upon him/her. On other than ceremonial occasions, the holder shall wear the rosette of the respective class on the lapel or, when appearing in uniform or off-duty dress, the substitute ribbon.
Article 8
The insignia of the Fourth and Fifth Classes of the Order and the substitute ribbons of all classes are to be worn on the left side of the breast.
Article 9
The affairs relating to the Order of the White Lion shall be administered by the Office of the President of the Republic.
Article 10
The design of the insignia of the Order shall be chosen on the basis of a competition of tenders invited by the Office of the President of the Republic.
Sections 847 and subsequent of the Civil Code.

 

(Law Gazette, No. 157/1994, Annex 2)
Article 1
The Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Order shall be conferred or awarded by the President of the Republic to honour persons who have made eminent contributions to the furtherance of democracy, humanity and human rights.
Article 2
The Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Order comes in five classes, First Class being the highest.
Article 3
The President of the Republic shall be entitled to wear the insignia of the First Class of the Order. After a President has left office, the insignia may be conferred upon him/her for life if both Chambers of the Parliament so decide.
Article 4
The holder of the Order shall receive a numbered specimen of the insignia of the Order with a numbered certificate.
Article 5
(1) The badge of the Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Order is a blue enamelled star-shaped ornament. A medallion placed at the centre of the badge bears a plastic portrait of President T.G.Masaryk. A medallion placed centrally on the reverse of the badge bears the Greater Coat of Arms of the Czech Republic encircled by a white ring with the inscription "VERNI ZUSTANEME" ("We Shall Remain Faithful"), the motto of the Order, and a linden leaf. The upper arm of the badge is attached to a suspension which takes the form of an elliptical linden wreath. The portrait, the coat of arms, the suspension, the inscription and the frame of the badge are made of gilded silver. (2) The insignia of the First Class of the Order consists of the badge of the Order on a sash to be worn across the breast, extended from the right shoulder to the left hip, and a star to be worn on the left side of the breast. The diameter of the badge is 68 mm, the linden wreath which forms the suspension is 35 by 25 mm in size. The sash is 100 mm wide, red-white-blue-white-red, the widths of the stripes being 5-40-10-40-5 mm. The star, made up of silver rays, is eight-pointed, 90 mm in diameter; a medallion placed at its centre bears a portrait of T.G.Masaryk encircled by a white ring with the inscription "VERNI ZUSTANEME" ("We Shall Remain Faithful") and a linden leaf. The frame of the ring, the portrait, the inscription and the linden leaf are made of gilded silver. The central piece on the reverse of the star bears the Greater Coat of Arms of the Czech Republic.
(3) The insignia of the Second Class of the Order consists of the badge of the Order on a neck ribbon and a smaller star to be worn on the right side of the breast. The diameter of the badge is 62 mm, the suspension is 30 by 20 mm in size and comes with a perpendicular blue enamelled suspension loop, which is 30 by 4 mm in size. The neck ribbon is 45 mm wide, red-white-blue- white-red, the widths of the stripes being 2-18-5-18-2 mm. The star, made up of silver rays, is four-pointed, 70 mm in diameter; a medallion placed at its centre bears a portrait of T.G.Masaryk encircled by a white ring with the inscription "VERNI ZUSTANEME" ("We Shall Remain Faithful") and a linden leaf. The frame of the ring, the portrait, the inscription and the linden leaf are made of gilded silver. The central piece on the reverse of the star bears the Greater Coat of Arms of the Czech Republic.
(4) The insignia of the Third Class of the Order is the same as that of the Second Class, except that it does not include the star.
(5) The insignia of the Fourth Class of the Order consists of the badge of the Order, 45 mm in diameter, with the suspension, which is 20 by 15 mm in size. The badge is suspended from a breast ribbon, threaded through, 38 mm wide, with a rosette whose diameter is 20 mm; the ribbon is red-white-blue-white-red, the widths of the stripes being 2-15-4-15-2 mm.
(6) The insignia of the Fifth Class of the Order is made of silver, except for the enamelled parts; no rosette comes with the breast ribbon. In all other respects, the insignia is the same as that of the Fourth Class.
(7) On such occasions when the insignia of the Order is not to be worn "in natura" substitute ribbons, 38 by 10 mm in size, replace it when the holder appears in uniform. The ribbons come with different embellishments as follows: First Class: an eight- pointed star, Second Class: a four-pointed star, Third Class: a star-shaped ornament, Fourth Class: a rosette, Fifth Class: no additional embellishment.
(8) When the holder appears in civilian attire rosettes are worn in the buttonhole of the left lapel, coming with different beds of thread as follows: First Class: gold thread, 20 by 8 mm, Second Class: gold thread, 16 by 5 mm, Third Class: silver thread, 20 by 8 mm, Fourth Class: silver thread, 16 by 5 mm, Fifth Class: no bed of thread. The diameter of the rosettes is 10 mm.
(9) The registration numbers are inscribed on the suspension attached to the badge of the Order and on the upper edge of the central piece on the reverse of the star.
Article 6
On ceremonial occasions the insignia of the Order shall be worn "in natura"; the holder shall wear only the insignia of the highest class bestowed upon him/her. On other than ceremonial occasions, the holder shall wear the rosette of the respective class on the lapel or, when appearing in uniform or off-duty dress, the substitute ribbon.
Article 7
The insignia of the Fourth and Fifth Classes of the Order and the substitute ribbons of all classes are to be worn on the left side of the breast.
Article 8
The affairs relating to the Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Order shall be administered by the Office of the President of the Republic.
Article 9
The design of the insignia of the Order shall be chosen on the basis of a competition of tenders invited by the Office of the President of the Republic.
Sections 847 and subsequent of the Civil Code.

 

(Law Gazette, No. 157/1994, Annex 3)
Article 1
The Medal for Heroism shall be awarded by the President of the Republic to honour persons who have shown heroism in combat or performed, at the risk of their own lives, deeds aimed at saving other human lives or substantial material values.
Article 2
The holder shall receive a numbered medal together with a numbered certificate.
Article 3
The Medal for Heroism, 33 mm in diameter, is struck of silver. The reverse of the medal bears the Greater Coat of Arms of the Czech Republic and the registration number. The medal is suspended, through a perpendicular loop and a movable ring, from a breast ribbon, threaded through, 38 mm wide, which is golden yellow-white-red-blue-golden yellow, the widths of the stripes being 14,5-3-3-3-14,5 mm. The substitute ribbon is 38 by 10 mm in size.
Article 4
The medal "in natura" or the substitute ribbon are to be worn on the left side of the breast. On ceremonial occasions the medal shall be worn "in natura". When the holder appears in civilian attire an 8-mm-wide ribbon may be worn on the left lapel, threaded through the buttonhole.
Article 5
The affairs relating to the Medal for Heroism shall be administered by the Office of the President of the Republic.
Article 6
The design of the medal shall be chosen on the basis of a competition of tenders invited by the Office of the President of the Republic.
Sections 847 and subsequent of the Civil Code.

 

(Law Gazette, No. 157/1994, Annex 4)
Article 1
The Medal of Merit shall be awarded by the President of the Republic to honour persons who have done meritorious services to the state or a territorial self-governing entity in the fields of economy, science, technology, culture, arts, sports, enlightenment and education, defence and security of the state and the people.
Article 2
(1) The Medal of Merit comes in three grades, First Grade being the highest.
(2) The holder shall receive the medal together with a numbered certificate.
Article 3
The Medal of Merit is 33 mm in diameter. The obverse of the medal bears a symbolic representation of service to the Republic and the inscription "ZA ZASLUHY" ("For Meritorious Service"). The reverse bears the Greater Coat of Arms of the Czech Republic. The First Grade Medal is struck of silver and gilded. The Second Grade Medal is struck of silver. The Third Grade Medal is struck of bronze. The medal is to be worn suspended from a breast ribbon, threaded through, 38 mm wide. The ribbon for the First Grade is yellow-dark violet-yellow, the widths of the stripes being 18-2-18 mm. The ribbon for the Second Grade is yellow-dark violet-yellow-dark violet-yellow, the widths of the stripes being 16-2-2-2-16 mm. The ribbon for the Third Grade is yellow-dark violet-yellow-dark violet-yellow-dark violet-yellow, the widths of the stripes being 14-2-2-2-2-2-14 mm. The substitute ribbon is 38 by 10 mm in size.
Article 4
The medal "in natura" or the substitute ribbon are to be worn on the left side of the breast. On ceremonial occasions the medal shall be worn "in natura". When the holder appears in civilian attire an 8-mm-wide ribbon may be worn on the left lapel, threaded through the buttonhole.
Article 5
The affairs relating to the Medal of Merit shall be administered by the Office of the President of the Republic.
Article 6
The design of the medal shall be chosen on the basis of a competition of tenders invited by the Office of the President of the Republic.
Sections 847 and subsequent of the Civil Code.