The Order of Merit of Duarte, Sánchez and Mella (Orden al Mérito de Duarte, Sánchez y Mella) is the principal order of the Dominican Republic. It was established on 24 February 1931 as the Juan Pablo Duarte Order of Merit (Orden al Mérito Juan Pablo Duarte) and renamed on 9 September 1954. The Head of State confers the order both to civilians and military personnel for distinguished services. Source: Wikipedia (en)