The Australian honours and awards system refers to all orders, decorations, and medals, as instituted by letters patent from the Monarch of Australia and countersigned by the Australian prime minister at the time, that have been progressively introduced since 14 February 1975. The Australian honours and awards system excludes all state and local government, and private, issued awards and medals.
To be mentioned in dispatches describes a member of the armed forces whose name appears in an official report written by a superior officer and sent to the high command, in which their gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy is described.
The following is the Canadian order of precedence for decorations and medals. Where applicable, post-nominal letters are indicated.
The Star of Gallantry (SG) is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and other persons recognised by the Minister for Defence. It is awarded for acts of great heroism or conspicuous gallantry in action in circumstances of great peril. It is the second highest of the military gallantry awards in the Australian Honours System, only surpassed by the Victoria Cross or Victoria Cross for Australia (VC).
The Victoria Cross for New Zealand (VC) is a military decoration awarded for valour or gallantry in the presence of the enemy to members of the New Zealand Armed Forces. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service and civilians under military command, and is presented to the recipient by the Governor-General of New Zealand during an investiture held at Government House, Wellington. As the highest award for gallantry in New Zealand it takes precedence over all other postnominals and medals.
The New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 (Warlike) is a New Zealand campaign medal, authorised in 1992, for award to New Zealanders who have served in warlike operations for which no separate New Zealand or British Commonwealth campaign medal was issued.
The New Zealand Gallantry Star (NZGS) is the second level military decoration of the New Zealand armed forces.
The New Zealand Gallantry Decoration (NZGD) is the third level military decoration of the New Zealand armed forces.
The New Zealand Gallantry Medal (NZGM) is the fourth level military decoration of the New Zealand armed forces.
Prior to 1999 the New Zealand armed forces received honours of the United Kingdom, including military decorations and campaign medals. Since the end of World War II there have been constant moves towards an independent New Zealand honours system. This has resulted in a new system of New Zealand honours, military gallantry and civil bravery awards, and campaign medals.
The New Zealand Bravery Star (NZBS) is the second level civil decoration of New Zealand.
The New Zealand Bravery Decoration (NZBD) is the third level civil decoration of New Zealand.
The New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM) is the fourth level civil decoration of New Zealand.
The New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 (Non-Warlike) is a New Zealand campaign medal, authorised in 1992, for award to New Zealanders who have served in peacekeeping operations for which no separate UN medal was issued.
The Governor-General of Australia has, at irregular intervals, notified for general information the positioning of the wearing of Australian Orders, Decorations and Medals in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. The Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards was last published in 2007, and replaced the previous list published in 2002.
Prior to 1985 the New Zealand armed forces received the same Meritorious and Long Service Awards awarded in the United Kingdom. Since the end of World War 2 there have been constant moves towards an independent New Zealand honours system. This has resulted in a new system of New Zealand honours, gallantry and bravery awards, and campaign medals.
The Armed Forces of India are eligible for many military decorations awarded for extraordinary bravery and distinguished service during times of war and peace. Service and campaign medals have been awarded throughout India's history as an independent state.
