Spain, Kingdom. An Order of Aeronautical Merit, I Class Grand Cross Breast Star with White Distinction, c.1980

(Cruz del Mérito Aeronáutico). Instituted in 1945. Juan Carlos (1975-2014) . Insignia in silver gilt with red, white and blue enamels, the white cross issued for actions, deeds or distinguished service during missions of ordinary or extraordinary service in the armed forces or in connection with defense of the country, mounted to an eight-pointed silver star base, each star point with five dual-faceted rays, measuring 68.7 mm (w) x 68.7 mm (h), vertical pinback bearing an ornate design flanked by dual stays, spotting evident on the arm of the cross at 6 o'clock, otherwise the enamels are intact, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Aeronautical Merit was established on November 30, 1945 by chief of state Francisco Franco as the Order of Aeronautical Merit and amended in 1976, 1995, 2003 and 2007. It was originally awarded in three classes and a cross in silver for non-commissioned ranks, in 1995 it lost the rank of an order of merit and was reduced to two and the number of categories extended to four. According to the current regulations the decoration is conferred in the following classes: Grand Cross: to generals, admirals or civilian personnel of equivalent rank; and Cross: to other officers, non-commissioned ranks or equivalent civilian personnel. There are four divisions: with Red Distinction (con distintivo rojo) for courage, actions, deeds or service during an armed conflict or military operations that involve or may involve the use of armed force and may require significant military or command skills; since 2007 it can be awarded to for acts of gallantry while on an overseas mission and to soldiers fallen during such a mission; with Blue Distinction (con distintivo azul) - for actions, events or extraordinary services including operations resulting from a mandate of the United Nations or of other international organizations; with Yellow Distinction (con distintivo amarillo) - for actions, deeds or service that involve high personal risk and in cases of serious injury or death resulting from such actions or service; and with White Distinction (con distintivo blanco) - for actions, deeds or distinguished service during missions of ordinary or extraordinary service in the armed forces or in connection with defense of the country.