Order of Merit Order of Merit The Order of Merit () is an order of merit recognising distinguished service in the armed forces, science, art, literature, or for the promotion of culture. Established in 1902 by King Edward VII, admission into the order remains the personal gift of its Sovereign—currently Edward VII's great-granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II—and is restricted to a maximum of 24 living recipients from the Commonwealth realms, plus a limited number of honorary members. While all members are awarded the right to use the post-nominal letters "OM" and wear the badge of the order, the Order of Merit's precedence among other
Order of Merit (Ukraine) serving members of the armed forces bear crossed swords. Order of Merit (Ukraine) The Order of Merit () (Distinguished service) first, second or third class, is the Ukrainian award, given to individuals for outstanding achievements in economics, science, culture, military or political spheres of activity. It was first established by Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma on September 22, 1996. There are 3 grades, the highest being the first grade honours. Those who are awarded the Order of Merit have the official title Chevalier of the Order of Merit. The order can be granted posthumously. The Order of Merit originates from the