Star of Courage (Australia)

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Star of Courage
StarofCourageAustralia.jpg

SCAustRibbon.png
Medal and ribbon
TypeMedal
Awarded for"acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril" [1]
Presented byAustralia
EligibilityAustralian Citizen or a Foreign Citizen acting on behalf of Australia or an Australian
Post-nominalsSC
StatusCurrently awarded
Established14 February 1975
First awarded1976
Last awarded24 July 2018
Total182 [2]
Order of Wear
Next (higher) Star of Gallantry [3]
Next (lower) Distinguished Service Cross [3]
Related Cross of Valour
Bravery Medal
Commendation for Brave Conduct
Group Bravery Citation

The Star of Courage (SC) is a bravery decoration awarded to Australians. [1] It is awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril. The SC was created on 14 February 1975. [4] The decoration recognises acts of bravery by members of the community. [4] They selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others. [1] It is ranked second in the Australian civil bravery decorations in the Australian Honours System. Recipients of the Star of Courage are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "SC". [1]

Contents

Description

Medal

The Star of Courage is a silver, ribbed star with seven points ensigned with the Crown of Saint Edward. [4] The obverse has the shield and crest of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms surmounted by a Federation Star. [1] [4]

Ribbon and bar

A suspender bar is engraved with the words For Courage. [4] The 32mm medal ribbon is dark red with a central magenta band of 14mm width, representing the colours of venous and arterial blood. [1] [4]

Decoration allowance

Section 102 of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) provides for the payment of an allowance called “decoration allowance” to a veteran who is in receipt of a disability pension under the VEA and who was awarded the Star of Courage for gallantry during a war or warlike operations covered by the VEA. At March 2008, this tax free allowance was A$2.10 per fortnight. [5]

See also

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Military Medal</span> Award

The Military Medal (MM) was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other arms of the armed forces, and to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land. The award was established in 1916, with retrospective application to 1914, and was awarded to other ranks for "acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire". The award was discontinued in 1993, when it was replaced by the Military Cross, which was extended to all ranks, while other Commonwealth nations instituted their own award systems in the post war period.

The orders, decorations, and medals of Canada comprise a complex system by which Canadians are honoured by the country's sovereign for actions or deeds that benefit their community or the country at large. Modelled on its British predecessor, the structure originated in the 1930s, but began to come to full fruition at the time of Canada's centennial in 1967, with the establishment of the Order of Canada, and has since grown in both size and scope to include dynastic and national orders, state, civil, and military decorations; and various campaign medals. The monarch in right of each Canadian province also issues distinct orders and medals to honour residents for work performed in just their province. The provincial honours, as with some of their national counterparts, grant the use of post-nominal letters and or supporters and other devices to be used on personal coats of arms.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Medal of Bravery (Canada)</span> Award

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The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force. It is awarded for distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations. The DSC was introduced in 1991 and is the highest distinguished service decoration in the Australian Honours System. Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "DSC". Since its inception 115 awards have been made—which includes eight first bars and one second bar.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Star of Gallantry</span> Award

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).

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The Bravery Medal (BM) is a bravery decoration awarded to Australians. It is awarded for acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances. The BM was created in February 1975. 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. It is ranked third of the Australian bravery decorations in the Australian Honours System. Recipients of the Bravery Medal are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "BM".

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Star of Courage (Canada)</span> Award

The Star of Courage is a decoration that is the second-highest award for bravery within the Canadian system of honours, and one of the three Canadian Bravery Decorations awarded by the Canadian monarch, generally through his or her viceroy-in-Council. Created in 1972, it is presented to both living and deceased individuals deemed to have performed "acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril". Recipients are allowed to use post-nominal letters – for Anglophones SC, and for Francophones ÉC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cross of Valour (Canada)</span> Courage award in Canada

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Victoria Cross</span> Highest military decoration for valour in the UK

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious decoration of the British decorations system. It is awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces and may be awarded posthumously. It was previously awarded to service personnel in the broader British Empire, with most successor independent nations now having established their own honours systems and no longer recommending British honours. It may be awarded to a person of any military rank in any service and to civilians under military command. No civilian has received the award since 1879. Since the first awards were presented by Queen Victoria in 1857, two thirds of all awards have been personally presented by the British monarch. The investitures are usually held at Buckingham Palace.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "It's an Honour - Star of Courage" . Retrieved 7 February 2008.
  2. Medal Yearbook 2023. Honiton, Devon: Token. 2022. p. 459. ISBN   978-1-908828-63-7.
  3. 1 2 "The Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards" (PDF). Government House. 25 September 2007. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Australian Bravery Association - Star of Courage" . Retrieved 7 February 2008.
  5. "Veteran's Entitlements Act 1986 - Sect 102". Commonwealth Consolidated Acts. Australasian Legal Information Institute. Retrieved 17 November 2007.