Order of Joanus

The Knight's Cross of the Order of Joanus (Burgoignesc: Croix de Chevalier de l'Ordre de Joanus, Gothic: Ritterkreuz des Joanusordens), known informally in Yonderre as simply the Knight's Cross (Burgoignesc: Croix de Chevalier, Gothic: Ritterkreuz), is the highest order awarded in the Yonderian Defence Force and to forces allied to Yonderre. The Knight's Cross is awarded for a wide range of reasons and across all ranks, from a senior commander for skilled leadership of his troops in battle to enlisted soldiers for displays of exceptional gallantry in the face of the enemy. The Knight's Cross is presented by the Grand Duke of Yonderre to its recipient personally. The Order of Joanus exists only in a single class, the Knight's Cross, and can only be awarded once to a recipient. A recipient may be stripped of the Knight's Cross in the act of treason towards Yonderre.

The award was instituted on 10 June, 1808, on what would have been the 372nd birthday of Joanus de Martigueux, founder of Yonderre and namesake of the Order. The Knight's Cross was instituted to replace the different regional orders awarded for extreme gallantry in the face of the enemy. Knight's Cross holders are legally granted the honorific title "Knight" (Burgoignesc: Chevalier, Gothic: Ritter). The Knight's Cross is worn around the neck, although a ribbon exists and is authorized for field use and other situations where wearing the full cross is unfit.

Description
The Knight's Cross of the Order of Joanus is a cross made from Vollardic silver with a smaller cross inlaid in gold, known as the "hooked cross". At the end of each arm of the smaller cross is a 90 degree curve clockwise. At the very center of the cross is a rose. The cross is suspended from a golden wreath containing two arms wielding curved sabres. The wreath is suspended from a cluster of golden oak leaves which is suspended from the red and white-striped neckband with which the order is worn.

In society
Knight's Cross holders are legally granted the honorific title "Knight" (Burgoignesc: Chevalier, Gothic: Ritter), which may be combined with other titles such as Baron (Chevalier-Baron) or Count (Chevalier-Comte). The Knight's Cross Holders' Association meets annually for gala dinners. The title is not inheritable.

Officers of the YDF aspiring for the Knight's Cross are mockingly said to have a "sore throat" in reference to the Order being worn around the neck.

Notable Knight's Cross recipients

 * Guillaume d'Agostino, YDF General and first commandant of the New Harrenic Royal and Confederate Army (2019)
 * Knight-Baron Rachet d'Everard, Marshal of Yonderre and Yonderian Ambassador to Burgundie (1948)
 * Martin St. Clair, Lecáti Princeps	of the Urcean Royal and Imperial Army (2022)