Order of Freedom and Independence

This article is about the North Korean order. For the Chinese order, see Order of Independence and Freedom.

The Order of Freedom and Independence (Korean: 자유독립훈장) is one of the highest North Korean orders. It is divided into two classes:^[2] the first class is awarded to commanders and partisan units of brigades, divisions, and higher military groups for bravery, courage, and auspicious command of military operations. The second class is awarded to the commanders of partisan regiments, battalions, companies, and detachments, as well as to civil professionals employed in the industry for the military.^[3] The order is awarded with the Order of the National Flag of the same rank.^[2]

Order of Freedom and Independence 자유독립훈장 (自由獨立勳章)
Collar and Star of the Order of Freedom and Independence
Type	Order
Awarded for	Military achievements
Country	North Korea
Presented by	The Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Campaign(s)	Korean War
Motto	"조국을 위하여" (For the Fatherland)[1]
Status	Active
Established	7 July 1950 (1950-07-07)
Total	227 (First Class) 7746 (Second Class)
First and second class ribbons
Precedence
Next (higher)	Order of the National Flag[2]
Related	Order of the National Flag

Order of Freedom and Independence
Chosŏn'gŭl	자유독립훈장[2]
Hancha	自由獨立勳章
Revised Romanization	Jayu Dongnip Hunjang
McCune–Reischauer	Chayu Tongnip Hunjang

The order was instituted on 7 July 1950, during the Korean War.^[4]

Two variants have been made: one Soviet-made with a twisting mechanism for attachment and a North Korean-made with a pin.^[5]

Recipients

During the Korean War, the order, first class, was received by 95 Koreans and 126 Chinese people and second class by 3,043 Koreans and 4,703 Chinese recipients.^[2]

• Song and Dance Ensemble of the Korean People's Army, first class^[6]
• Kim Hyong Gwon, first class^[7]
• Ri Jong-ok, first class^[8]
• Pak Song-chol, first class^[9]
• Jo Myong-rok, first class^[10]
• Kim Jong-il, first class (twice)^[11]

See also

• Orders, decorations, and medals of North Korea