The
Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis was a military
Order of Chivalry founded on 5 April 1693 by
Louis XIV and named after
Saint Louis (Louis IX). It was intended as a reward for exceptional officers, and is notable as the first decoration that could be granted to non-nobles. It is a predecessor of the
Légion d'honneur (Legion of Honour), with which it shares the red ribbon (though the
Légion d'honneur is awarded to military personnel and civilians alike).