Which Spanish order made Fleming a Knight Grand Cross in 1948?

The Spanish order that made Fleming a Knight Grand Cross in 1948 was the Order of Alfonso X the Wise. Its Grand Cross recognized exceptional achievement in education, science, culture, teaching, or research.

Fleming received the distinction during the period when his work on lysozyme and penicillin had made him one of the world's best-known medical scientists. The order is named for Alfonso X of Castile, a medieval king associated with scholarship, law, astronomy, and literary culture. It was established as a Spanish civil order for contributions to intellectual and educational life.

A common mix-up is to confuse this award with Fleming's British knighthood. King George VI knighted him in 1944, four years before the Spanish decoration. The Spanish honor was an international recognition of scientific achievement, not the title that made him “Sir” Alexander Fleming.

The order's modern official name is the Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise, and its Grand Cross is one of its senior grades.