The Cross of Valour is awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril. It is the highest Australian Bravery Decoration.
About the award
Australian Bravery Decorations date from the establishment of the Australian honours system in
February 1975. The Group Bravery Citation was added in 1990. The decorations recognise acts of bravery by members of the community. They selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others. There are five levels of decoration:
Cross of Valour (CV)
Star of Courage (SC)
Bravery Medal (BM)
Commendation for Brave Conduct, and
Group Bravery Citation.
Medal design: The Cross of Valour is a gold, straight-armed cross with diminishing rays between the arms. It is ensigned with the Crown of St Edward. The obverse has the shield and crest of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms surmounted by a Federation Star. A suspender bar is engraved with the words For Valour.
The medal ribbon: The ribbon is magenta with a central blood-red band.
How it is awarded: Anyone may nominate any other person for a bravery decoration. The nomination may be for a brave act by an Australian citizen in Australia or overseas.
A citizen of another country carrying out a brave act in the interest of Australia may also be nominated. Bravery decorations may be made posthumously. Nominations are considered by the Australian Bravery Decorations Council, which makes recommendations to the Governor-General. The Council also recommends the level of awards. There is no set timeframe for announcing bravery awards. Generally there are two each year in April and August.
NUMBER AWARDED:
5 as at June 2005
