The Order was created on 16 December 1940 from the previous Cross of Liberty which had been founded on 4 March 1918 at the time of Finland’s war for independence. It is Finland’s premier order and, since 1960, may only be awarded for active military service in time of war.

This example is a miniature of either the 1939 or 1941 type awarded for front-line military service during the Winter War between 30 November 1939 and 13 March 1940 or the Continuation War between 25 June 1941 and 19 September 1944.