bhutan5

BHUTAN

ORDERS AND DECORATIONS

Druk Gyalpo (Nga Dap Pel Gi Khorlo) (the Order of the Dragon King): founded by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck on 7^th November 2008 as the nation’s highest honour bestowed upon on individuals who have devoted a lifetime of service to “Tsa-Wa-Sum”, the king, country and the people. Awarded in two classes (1. First Class: National dress - a badge worn from a neck ribbon and a breast star worn on the left breast, European dress or uniform - a broad riband with a the badge attached, and the breast star worn on the left breast. 2. Second Class: National dress - a badge worn from a neck ribbon, European dress or uniform - a broad riband with a badge attached without a breast star).

The Order of the Druk Gyalpo, First Class – sash, sash badge and breast star.

Druk Yugyel (‘Victorious Thunder Dragon’): instituted by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck on 17^th December 1991 as the highest military medal of honour awarded for outstanding dedication, loyalty and commitment by members of the uniformed services of the kingdom, and initially awarded in a single class, a gold decoration worn from a medal ribbon on the left chest. Reorganized by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck on 7^th November 2008 as the nation’s second highest honour bestowed as a reward for distinguished national service (postnominal=DYG). Awarded in a single class (National dress - a badge worn on the left breast, European dress or uniform - a broad riband with a the badge attached, and the breast star worn on the left breast).

The Druk Yugyel Decoration – sash and sash badge.

Druk Wangyel (‘Power of the Thunder Dragon’): instituted by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk on 9^th February 1967 as Druk Yi-Shin Wangyel (‘Wish-fulfilling Power of the Thunder Dragon’) as the nation’s principal national honour. Subsequently reorganized by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck as Druk Wangyel on 29^th September 1985. Reorganized by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck on 7^th November 2008 as the nation’s third highest honour bestowed as a reward for distinguished national service (postnominal=DWG). Awarded in a single class (National dress - a badge worn on the left breast, European dress or uniform - a broad riband with a the badge attached, and the breast star worn on the left breast.).

The Druk Wangyel Decoration – sash and sash badge.

Druk Thuksey (‘Beloved of the Thunder Dragon’):instituted by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk on 9^th February 1967 as Druk Shung Thugsey (‘Beloved Son of the Dragon’) as a meritorious service medal awarded to members of the Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard, National Militia, Royal Bhutan Police and Forest Guards. Reorganized by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck on 7^th November 2008 as the nation’s fourth highest honour bestowed as a reward for distinguished national services to “Tsa-Wa-Sum”, the king, country and the people. Awarded in a single class (a badge worn from a neck ribbon).

The Druk Thuksey Decoration – neck badge and miniature.

Druk Khorlo (‘Wheel of the Thunder Dragon’):instituted instituted by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk on 9^thFebruary 1967 as Druk Gyal Khorlo (‘Wheel of the Dragon Kingdom’). Reorganized by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck in January 2008 as the nation’s fifth highest honour bestowed as a reward for distinguished national services to “Tsa-Wa-Sum”, the king, country and the people. Awarded in a single class (a badge worn from a neck ribbon).

The Druk Khorlo Decoration – neck badge and miniature.

Druk Nor (‘Jewel of the Thunder Dragon’ or The Royal Order of Bhutan): founded by King Jigme Wangchuk ca 1950. Awarded to Bhutanese and foreign citizens alike in four classes (1. First Class – sash, sash badge and breast star, 2. Second Class – neck badge and breast star, 2. Third Class – neck badge only, and 3. Fourth Class – chest badge worn from a medal ribbon) and one medal. Obsolete.
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The Druk Nor (Royal Order of Bhutan), First Class – breast star, sash and sash badge.

Maharaja Ugyen Wangchuck Medal: instituted by Maharaja Ugyen Wangchuck to commemorate his coronation on 17^thDecember 1907, thereafter conferred as a reward for distinguished and meritorious services to the state. Awarded in three classes (1. First Class – a chest medal in gold, 2. Second Class – silver, and 3. Third Class – bronze). Obsolete 1974. : Copyright© Christopher Buyers

Maharaja Ugyen Wangchuck Medal, Second Class in silver, obverse (L) and reverse (R).

The King Jigme Singye Wangchuck Medal: instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck on 2^nd June 1974, as a reward for distinguished and meritorious services to the state. Awarded in three classes (1. First Class – a chest medal in gold, 2. Second Class – silver, and 3. Third Class – bronze). Obsolete 2008. : Copyright© Christopher Buyers

The King Jigme Singye Wangchuck Medal, First Class in gold, obverse (L) and reverse (R).

The National Order of Merit: founded by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck in 2008 as reward for distinguished and meritorious services to the state. Awarded in three classes (1. First Class – a chest medal in gold, 2. Second Class – silver, and 3. Third Class – bronze). : Copyright© Christopher Buyers

The National Order of Merit, First Class in gold with buttonhole (L) and Second Class in silver (R)..

Drakpoi Rinchen Tsugtor (‘Crown Jewel of the Armed Forces’): instituted by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal on 21^st February 2013 as a first class medal of honour to recognize outstanding meritorious and distinguished services by senior commanders (Brigadiers and equivalent or higher) of the three armed forces and the De-Stung (postnominal=DRT). Awarded in a single class, a gold decoration worn from a medal ribbon on the left chest.
Drakpoi Wangyel (‘Great Victory of the Armed Forces’): instituted by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck on 17^th December 1991. A first class medal of honour awarded to members of the Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard, National Militia, Royal Bhutan Police, and Forest Guards to reward services during operations to maintain law and order or national security. Also bestowed on civilians and uniformed civilian forces who assist during such operations. Awarded for bravery, as well as meritorious, long or distinguished service (post nominals=DW). Awarded in a single class, a silver decoration worn from a medal ribbon on the left chest.
Drakpoi Norbu Yoedsel (‘Light Treasure of the Armed Forces’): instituted by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal on 21^st February 2013 as a medal of honour to recognize outstanding meritorious and distinguished services by officers, non-commissioned officers and other ranks (Colonels and equivalent or below) of the three armed forces and the De-Stung (postnominal=DNY). Awarded in a single class, a silver decoration worn from a medal ribbon on the left chest. The decoration may also be awarded to civilians, and also granted posthumously.
Drakpoi Thuksey (‘Heart of the Armed Forces’): instituted by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck on 17^th December 1991. A second class medal of honour awarded to members of the Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard, National Militia, Royal Bhutan Police, and Forest Guards to reward services during operations to maintain law and order or national security. Also bestowed on civilians and uniformed civilian forces who assist during such operations. Awarded for bravery, as well as meritorious, long or distinguished service (post nominals=DT). Awarded in a single class, a silver decoration worn from a medal ribbon on the left chest.
Drakpoi Khorlo (‘Wheel of the Armed Forces’): third class medal of honour awarded to members of the Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard, National Militia, Royal Bhutan Police, and Forest Guards to reward services during operations to maintain law and order or national security. Also bestowed on civilians and uniformed civilian forces who assist during such operations. Awarded for bravery, as well as meritorious, long or distinguished service (post nominals=DK). Awarded in a single class, a silver decoration worn from a medal ribbon on the left chest. Copyright© Christopher Buyers

The Drakpoi Wangyel (L), Drakpoi Thuksey (C) and Drakpoi Khorlo (R).

King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk Coronation Badge: instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorje Wangchuk to commemorate his coronation on 27^thOctober 1952. Awarded in a single class (a bin-back rectangular vertical breast badge in bronze). Copyright© Christopher Buyers

The King Jigme Singye Coronation Medal 1974.

King Jigme Singye Coronation Medal: instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck to commemorate his coronation on 2^nd June 1974, thereafter awarded as a general decoration of merit in two classes (1. Gold, and 2. Silver). Copyright© Christopher Buyers

The King Jigme Singye Enthronement Jubilee Medal 1999 - commemorative (C) and for merit (R).

King Jigme Singye Coronation Badge: instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck to commemorate his coronation on 2^nd June 1974. Awarded in in two classes (a bin-back oval breast badge in silver-gilt or bronze).
King Jigme Singye Enthronement Jubilee Medal: instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck to commemorate the 25^th anniversary of his coronation on 2^nd June 1999, thereafter awarded as a general decoration of merit in two classes (1. Gold, and 2. Silver). Copyright© Christopher Buyers

The King Jigme Singye Coronation Badge 1974 in bronze

King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Coronation Medal: instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck in August 2008 to commemorate his coronation on 6^th November 2008 and awarded in three classes (1. Gold, 2. Silver, and 3. Bronze). Copyright© Christopher Buyers

The King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Coronation Medal in gold

Kingdom Foundation Anniversary Badge: instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck to commemorate his coronation in 2008 and the centenary of the foundation of the kingdom of Bhutan in 2007. Awarded in a single class (a bin-back oval breast badge in bronze).
King Jigme Khesar Namgyal 6^th Anniversary Commemorative Medal: instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck 31^st May 2014 to commemorate the sixth anniversary of his proclamation in 2008, to recognise significant international achievement by Bhutanese and foreign citizens, in the fields of voluntary, charitable or philanthropy. Awarded in three classes (1. Gold, 2. Silver, and 3. Bronze).

Paden Tama (L) and Geypel Tama (R).

Paden Tama: instituted by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1966 to recognise twenty-five years of continuous meritorious service and good conduct by members of the armed forces and police service. Awarded in a single class, a silver medal.
Geypel Tama: instituted by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1966 to recognise fifteen years of continuous meritorious service and good conduct by members of the armed forces and police service. Awarded in a single class, a silver medal.

Leytsoen Tama - type I (L) and type II (R).

Leytsoen Tama: instituted by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1966 to recognise nine years of meritorious service and good conduct by members of the armed forces and police service. Awarded in a single class, a silver medal.

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