Order of Saint Maurice (United States)

Order of Saint Maurice was established in 1996 in the pattern of the Cavalry & Armor Association's Order of St. George Medallion and is awarded by the National Infantry Association and the certificate is signed by the Chief of Infantry of the United States Army. It is named after Saint Maurice, the leader of the Roman Theban Legion in the 3rd century.[1][2]

For the Italian order of knighthood, see Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus.

The five levels of the Order of Saint Maurice are: "The Order of Saint Maurice has five levels. A nominee for the Order of Saint Maurice must have served the Infantry community with distinction; must have demonstrated a significant contribution in support of the Infantry; and must represent the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence, and dedication to duty. The same medallion is used for each level, with an attachment that identifies the level."[1]

  • Primicerius – The highest level, for those who have made a significant contribution to the Infantry. The most significant awardees receive the Doughboy Award. Must be or have been Infantry Branch.
  • Centurion – For middle level, brigade and battalion officers and NCOs, and special nominees who have made an outstanding contribution to the Infantry. Must be or have been Infantry Branch.
  • Legionnaire – For outstanding or conspicuous contribution to the Infantry. Non-infantry branch personnel are eligible.
  • Peregrinus – For foreign military personnel who have served in or supported the U.S. Army Infantry.
  • Civis – For civilian who have made significant or outstanding contributions to the Infantry.

The Shield of Sparta is an award for spouses who have contributed, in some way, to the Infantry. The Order of Saint Maurice and the Shield of Sparta are awarded by the National Infantry Association and the U.S. Army’s Chief of Infantry (Commanding General of Fort Benning).

Namesake

Saint Maurice was Primicerius of the Theban Legion. In 287 AD it marched in service of the Roman Empire fighting against the revolt in the Berguadae Gauls. His men were composed entirely of Christians recruited from upper Egypt, near the Valley of the Kings. The Legion marched to the Mediterranean Sea, was transported across, and traveled across Italy to an area in Switzerland. Serving under Augustus Maximian Hercules, better known to history as Maximian, Maurice was ordered to have his legionnaires offer pagan sacrifices before battle near the Rhone at Martigny. The Theban Legion refused to participate, and also refused to kill innocent civilians in the conduct of their duty, and withdrew to the town of Agaunum. Enraged, Maximian ordered every tenth man killed, yet they still refused. A second time the General ordered Maurice’s men to participate and again they refused. Maurice declared his earnest desire to obey every order lawful in the eyes of God. “We have seen our comrades killed,” came the reply. “Rather than sorrow, we rejoice at the honor done to them.” At this Maximian ordered the butchery of the Thebans and the martyrdom of Saint Maurice. September 22 is the traditional feast day."[3]

Notable recipients
  • John P. Abizaid, General, U.S. Army (2007)
  • Mark E. Anderson, Brigadier General, U.S. Army (2007)
  • Daniel P. Bolger, Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (2013)
  • William A. Connelly, Sergeant Major of the Army (1979)
  • Matthew Ridgway, General, U.S. Army (1955)
  • Ross Perot, U.S. Navy (1957)
  • Basil L. Plumley, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army (1974)
  • Harold Gregory Moore, Jr., Lieutenant general, U.S. Army (1977)
  • Edward Charles Meyer, General, U.S. Army (1983)
  • Colin Powell, General, U.S. Army (1993)
  • Leroy Arthur Petry, Master Sergeant, U.S. Army (2011)
  • John Russell, Major, U.K. Army, Chief of Operations, 1st Cav. Div. (2014)

References
  1. "Awards, The Order of Saint Maurice". InfantryAssn.com. National Infantry Association. Archived from the original on June 22, 2011. Retrieved June 3, 2011.
  2. "Order of Saint Maurice Award". R3SSG.com. R3 Strategic Support Group. Retrieved June 3, 2011.
  3. Marshall, Fred Jr. "Order of St. Maurice". FredMarshallJr.com. Fred Marshall Jr. Retrieved June 3, 2011.
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