Laos
Order of a Million Elephants & White
Parasol - (1909)
The Order was created by Sisavang-Vong, the King of Louang-Prabang on
May 1, 1909 to recognize exceptional military and civil service. It is
originally awarded in one, then four and finally five classes (Grand Officer,
Grand Cross, Commander, Officer and Knight). The uniface insignia is composed
of three white enamel elephants with red enamel headpieces suspended beneath
a golden crown, surmounted by a stylized parasol. The Knights badge is
56mm and the other levels, 62mm. It was widely awarded to French officials
and military personnel, including those who participated in the Franco-Laotian
Resistance (against the Japanese) in 1944 and to members of the French
Military Mission and the French Expeditionary Corps, which participated
in the Laotian War. |