Freedom And Independence Order 1st Class.

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Here is the Freedom And Independence Order 1st Class (자유독립훈장 제1급). The Order was founded 17th July 1951 and awarded to Army commanders for great military success during the Korean War. This Order is the third highest Order in the DPRK after the Kim Il-Sung Order and National Flag Order and is the highest military only award. The Order is not liberally awarded and an awardee has to have had a real meritorious "combat" participation. This very late numbered award (4950-4999) is apparently the current variation, constructed of plated copper and without additional combat operations it is very unlikely many more will be awarded.