The Order of St. George had a motto: "For Service and Valor." and was awarded for fortitude, bravery, and zealous service, as well as for the glory of Russian arms. Saint George was the patron saint and defender of Russia. The order was divided into four classes and consisted of a enameled gold cross. a four-pointed star, and a black and orange ribbon. The statutes of this order forbade it being embedded with precious stones. The fourth class insignia was generally awarded, while the first and second classes were reserved to the emperor's personal nominations.
Only twenty-five people received the order's first class insignia, as compare to the thousand or more that received the Order of St. Andrew.
