The oldest preserved Nemanjić dynasty double-headed eagle in historical sources is depicted on the ktetor portrait of Miroslav of Hum in the Church of St. Peter and Paul in Bijelo Polje, dating to 1190.

[4] During the reign of Emperor Stefan Dušan (r. 1331–55), the double-headed eagle can be seen on everyday objects and state related documents, such as wax stamps and decrees.

[4] In 1339, map maker, Angelino Dulcert, marked the Serbian Empire with a flag with a red double-headed eagle.

Prince Lazar (r. 1371–89), when renovating the Hilandar monastery of Mount Athos, engraved the double-headed eagle at the northern wall.

After the Ottoman invasion and subsequent occupation that lasted until the early 19th century, the double-headed eagle ceased to be used as it was a symbol of Serbian sovereignty and statehood.

[7] The Serbian Revolution resurrected the Nemanjić tradition, and the white double-headed eagle became the symbol of Serbia as the coat of arms following independence from the Ottoman Empire.

The Order of the White Eagle with swords is the fifth highest order of the Republic of Serbia and is awarded for special merits in the national defense system or special merits in commanding and managing military units, i.e. military institutions and their training for the defense of the Republic of Serbia.