USAFE Order of the Sword Recipients

History

The order of the sword is patterned after two orders of chivalry founded during the middle ages in Europe, both of which are still in existance. Traditionally the noncommissioned officer corps as we know it today was established in the early 12th century.

In 1522, King Gustavus I of Sweden enjoined the noblemen commissioned by him to appoint officers to service him. These people became known as noncommissioned officers as we know them today. They were the accountants, builders, craftspeople, teachers, scribes and other leaders responsible for conducting the ordinary daily affairs of the kingdom. The system worked so well that it was incoporated into the army as a way to establish and maintain a cohesive, disciplined, well-trained force for protection of lives and property in the kingdom.

These ancient noncommissioned officers would honor their leader and pledge their loyalty by ceremoniously presenting him with a sword. The sword, a symbol of truth, justice, and power rightfully used, served as a token for all to see and know that here was a leader among leaders, and a man among men. The ceremony became know as "The Royal Order of the Sword."

It was passed through the ages, coming to this country about the time of the Revolutionary War. It lay dormant for many years after that, with the only known instance of its use being in the 1860s when General Robert E. Lee was present a sword by his command. The old "Royal Order of the Sword" ceremony was revised, updated, and adopted by the Noncommissioned Officers of the United States Air Force in 1967. The order of the sword is the highest honor and tribute that Noncommissioned Officers can bestow upon an individual.

To this date, USAFE has had 19 Order of the Sword recipients.