Cuba, Republic. A Group of Four Orders of Naval or Military Merit

1. (Orden del Merito Naval o Militar por Servicios Distinguidos 4a Clase) Order of Naval or Military Merit IV Class for Special Services, in the form of a Maltese cross with ball finials between the arms, superimposed on a laurel wreath and suspended from an open wreath by a ring and original light green ribbon with horizontal pinback suspension, the green enamel centre medallion bearing the intertwined letters “MM” and encircled by the motto “HONOR · VIRTUD · VALOR,” the reverse with the national coat of arms of Cuba, measuring 45.6 mm x 79.5 mm, with slightly frayed ribbon.

2. (Orden del Merito Naval o Militar por Otros Servicios 4a Clase) Order of Naval or Military Merit IV Class for Other Services, in the form of a Maltese cross with ball finials between the arms, superimposed on a laurel wreath and suspended from an open wreath by a ring and original white ribbon with horizontal pinback suspension, the light green enamel centre medallion bearing the intertwined letters “MM” and encircled by the motto “HONOR · VIRTUD · VALOR,” the reverse with the national coat of arms of Cuba, measuring 46.9 mm x 78.1 mm.

3. (Orden del Merito Naval o Militar por Buena Conducta 4a Clase) Order of Naval or Military Merit IV Class for Good Conduct, in the form of a Maltese cross with ball finials between the arms, superimposed on a laurel wreath and suspended from an open wreath by a ring and replacement blue ribbon with horizontal pinback suspension, the blue enamel centre medallion bearing the intertwined letters “MM” and encircled by the motto “HONOR · VIRTUD · VALOR,” the reverse with the national coat of arms of Cuba.

4. (Orden del Merito Naval o Militar por Buena Conducta 4a Clase) Order of Naval or Military Merit IV Class for Good Conduct, in the form of a Maltese cross with ball finials between the arms, superimposed on a laurel wreath and suspended from an open wreath by a ring, missing its blue ribbon, the blue enamel centre medallion bearing the intertwined letters “MM” and encircled by the motto “HONOR · VIRTUD · VALOR,” the reverse with the national coat of arms of Cuba, with slight corrosion present throughout.

All orders are in good to fair condition.

Footnote: The Order of Naval or Military Merit was among the most prestigious decorations of the Republic of Cuba and was awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the armed forces for exemplary conduct and distinguished service in a variety of categories, including Good Conduct, Special Services, and other services rendered. The motto “Honor, Virtud, Valor” (“Honour, Virtue, Valour”) reflected the ideals expected of Cuban military personnel.