The young Kingdom of the Netherlands barely existed when Napoleon returned from Elba. The raw Netherlands army would have to fight for the existence of their fatherland. Therefore, in April 1815 it was thought necessary by King Willem I of Orange-Nassau to create a Military Order, to distinguish those soldiers who showed exemplary bravery and courage in upcoming battles. This became the Militaire Willemsorde (MWO). Comparable with the French Légion d’Honneur, the MWO was an order of merit, therefore open to everyone regardless of rank and nobility, and also foreigners.

Ridder Vierde Klasse (4th Class Knight) Eligibility for the Order: On recommendation to the highest ranking Netherlands officer by a senior officer, for scoring a remarkable faith of arms against a French opponent, or by promoting the Netherlands contingent one way or another. VP's are not necessary for qualification.

Ridder Derde Klasse (3rd Class Knight) Eligibility for the Order: On recommendation to the highest ranking Netherlands officer by his direct commander. Only for officers with the rank of major or higher with at least 10 Victory Points.

Commandeur (Commander) Eligibility for the Order: On recommendation to the highest ranking Netherlands officer by a Corps commander. Only officers with the rank of full colonel or higher with at least 20 Victory Points. Awardees must also do some effort for the NWC (for example web pages, training, divisional, corps, or army command, Cabinet, etc.).

Ridder Grootkruis (Knight's Grand Cross) Eligibility for the Order: On recommendation to the highest ranking Netherlands officer by an Army commander. Decisions are made by him in cooperation with the CIC of the Anglo-Allied army. Only officers with the rank of general or higher will qualify with at least 50 Victory Points. Awardees must do some effort for the NWC as well (for example web pages, training, divisional, corps, or army command, Cabinet, etc.).