Bolivia, Republic. An Order Of Aeronautical Merit, Officer’s Star, C.1970

(Orden al Mérito Aeronautico). Instituted in 1965. In bronze gilt, an enameled light-blue Maltesse Cross with ball finials, the arms are flanked by gilded wings in each quadrant, with obverse bearing a silver central medallion with a Bolivian landscape, surrounded by the inscription AL MERITO AERONAUTICO (Aeronautical Merit), the medallion is superposed by a gilded flying condor holding the Bolivian coat of arms, the reverse is plain with vertical pin assembly, measuring 66.15 mm (w) x 66.44 mm (h), wearing minor surfaces and stained enamel, very fine.

Footnote: The Order of Aeronautical Merit was instituted by the government of Bolivia on July 21, 1965, and it was regulated by decree on May 22, 1968. The Order is currently awarded to Bolivian and foreign military personnel, and citizens, in recognition of meritorious service rendered to the Bolivian Air Force and the nation during the performance of their duties. The Order consists of six grades: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, Knight, and Eminent Services.