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The Order of the Southern Cross, which was first known as the Imperial Order of the Southern Cross, was first presented from December 1, 1822 until February 24, 1891. The award was given to officers, NCOs, and men of the Brazilian Imperial Army and Navy who fought against Paraguay during the War of the Triple Alliance from 1865 to 1870.
Following the re-establishment of the award by President Getulio Vargas in December of 1932, the award is now presented to outstanding foreigners, civil and military. The award is given as a token of gratitude and recognizes those who have preformed a significant service to the nation of Brazil, and who have through their services, earned the gratitude of the government of Brazil.