Officers of the Order included, after the Grand Master, a Trésorier (Treasurer), a Greffier (Registrar) and a Huissier (Gentleman Usher).

The reverse features a sword interlaced with a laurel crown and a white sash, with the inscription « BELL(ICAE) VIRTUTIS PRAEM(IUM) » ("Reward of wartime valour").

The general assembly of the Order was held annually on 25 August, the feast day of Saint Louis, in the residence of the King.

Conditions for being inducted did not include nobility; however, Catholic faith was mandatory, as well as at least ten years' service as a commissioned officer in the Army or the Navy.

On 1 January 1791, during the French Revolution, a decree changed the name to décoration militaire ("military decoration").