- Time Period: Pre World War I
- Institution: 14 January 1831
- Country: Belgium
The 1830 Star of Honor (Étoile d’Honneur 1830) was established on 14 January 1831 by the provisional government in favor of the patriots who had distinguished themselves during the events of the Revolution.
The award was given to the patriots “who ensured the independence of the country” and for acts of bravery “leading to triumphant freedom“. Only services rendered before September 1, 1830 counted.
Right after being established, it was determined that the Provisional Government did not have the legal authority to create such a reward, and a law passed on May 28 of the same year preventing its award.
The 1830 Star of Honor Design
The badge is a red enameled star with 5 arms, placed on a laurel and oak crown in green. The obverse has, in the center, two circles: one black with the words PATRIE and laurel leaves the second smallest golden with a lion. The reverse is composed of two circles, one black marked LIBERTE and laurel leaves, the second smaller gilded with 1830.
The award was given in three classes:
- 1st class: In gold, it had a diameter of 40mm.
- 2nd class: Identical but 30mm in diameter.
- 3rd class: In silver and 30mm in diameter.
The ribbon is red, with a yellow and black border on each side.