[4] With the exception of the Mannerheim Cross, the class of an award to be conferred depends on the recipient's military rank or an equivalent civilian status.

To recognize exceptional performance on the front line or leadership during wartime, the Cross of Liberty may be conferred upon a soldier adorned with oak leaves.

The Order of the Cross of Liberty was founded on March 4, 1918,[5] upon the initiative of Regent of Finland Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim.

He had commissioned the artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela to design awards and other insignia for the White Army towards the end of February 1918.

The outbreak of war in 1939 between Finland and the Soviet Union highlighted the need to reward soldiers and civilians during wartime.

In the same decree, Mannerheim (1867–1951) was designated as Grand Master for life, after which the title would move to the serving Commander-in-Chief of the Finnish Defence Forces.

At the center is a 33 mm diameter white-enamelled, gold-edged heraldic rose placed over a golden swastika on a black enamel background.

This central design is surrounded by a circular golden frame with a red enamel background inscribed in gold letters with the words "ISÄNMAAN PUOLESTA" ("For the Fatherland").

The central motif covers part of the swords, with their tips re-emerging symmetrically on both sides of the upward-facing ray.