Grand Decoration of Chivalry

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The Grand Decoration of Chivalry is a high-level award conferred within the Patriarchs Militant in recognition of exceptional service to Odd Fellowship and distinguished civic contribution.

It is awarded only under strict qualification, nomination, and approval procedures as defined by the General Military Council and the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

Eligibility

The Grand Decoration of Chivalry may be awarded only to a member in good standing of the Patriarchs Militant who meets all of the following conditions:

• The member must own and wear a full dress uniform bearing proper insignia of rank.
• The member must have performed unusual, exceptional, meritorious, and outstanding service for Odd Fellowship.
• The member must have demonstrated distinguished civic service in the community, including sustained involvement in public or charitable causes beyond personal or family interests.

Nomination Requirements

All recommendations must be accompanied by supporting documentation, including:

• Letters and affidavits from individuals within or outside the Order verifying the nominee’s qualifications.
• An affidavit from the Captain of the Canton confirming that neither the member nor any family member paid the cost of the jewel.

The General Military Council may determine the minimum number of supporting letters and affidavits required for consideration.

Recommendation Process

Recommendations are submitted on official forms obtained from the Adjutant General and must follow this process:

• Submitted to the Canton of which the nominee is a member.
• May be initiated by:
  • A Canton
  • A Department Council
  • The Aide of the General Commanding (where no Department Council exists)

If initiated in a Canton:

• Must be approved at a regular meeting.
• Requires a three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote by written ballot.
• If approved, it is forwarded to the supervising Department Council or Aide.
• After departmental approval, it is sent to the Adjutant General within 30 days.

Approval Process

Final review and approval are conducted by the General Military Council:

• The recommendation is reviewed by the Committee on Grand Decoration of Chivalry.
• If favorably recommended, it is submitted to the General Military Council.
• A three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of members present is required for approval.
• The General Military Council holds final authority over all awards.

Even if the committee issues an adverse report, any member of the Council may move to grant the award.

Limitations

Annual limits apply to the number of awards granted:

• Up to five in departments consisting of one or more divisions.
• Up to four in departments consisting of a brigade.
• Up to three in departments consisting of less than a brigade.

Conferment

Once authorized:

• The Adjutant General issues a paper patent to the Department Commander.
• The decoration is conferred by the Department Commander or a designated representative.
• The recipient must appear properly uniformed and present the paper patent.

If not conferred within two years, the authorization becomes void unless extended due to incapacity or unavoidable delay (up to one additional year).

Legal Acquisition of Jewels

Grand Decoration of Chivalry jewels may only be obtained through approved channels:

• Purchased through a Department Council or the Adjutant General via the Sovereign Grand Lodge where no Department Council exists.
• Previously owned jewels may be transferred if donated or willed to a Department Council, subject to a recording fee.

Unauthorized acquisition renders the award invalid.

Posthumous Awards

The decoration may be awarded posthumously, including in recognition of:

• An unknown soldier interred in a national cemetery.
• Notable persons interred elsewhere whose service to humanity is deemed exceptional.

Posthumous recommendations are submitted through the same channels and, if approved, forwarded to the Sovereign Grand Lodge for consideration.

See Also

• Patriarchs Militant
• Sovereign Grand Lodge
• General Military Council
• Canton
• Encampment