order of merit; medal class
Refers to the rank or class within the Japanese honors system, such as 勲一等 (Order of the Rising Sun, First Class). Often used in official contexts.
See also: 位階勲等
His order of merit was first class.
class number (of a medal); order (first, second, etc.)
Specifically the numerical rank (e.g., 一等, 二等) assigned to a medal or decoration. Used in combination with the medal name.
See also: 勲章
勲等 indicates the class of a decoration.
The class of this medal is second class.
court rank and honors
Compound of 勲 (merit) and 等 (class, rank). The term is used in the context of the Japanese honors system.