Vice-Regal Saint: The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross
The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) is the second highest military decoration of the United Kingdom armed forces and is superceded by only the Victoria Cross. The CGC, which may be awarded posthumously, is awarded "in recognition of an act or acts of conspicuous gallantry during active operations against the enemy".
Warrant Officer Class 2 James Wadsworth, The Royal Logistic Corps, displays the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross presented to him for services in Iraq by The Queen at an Investiture at Buckingham Palace, 4 June 2008.
The CGC was instituted in the aftermath of the 1993 review of the honours system. As part of the drive to remove distinctions of rank in awards for bravery, the CGC replaced both the Distinguished Conduct Medal (Army) and the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Air and Naval) as second level awards to Other Ranks and ratings. The CGC also replaced the Distinguished Service Order, in its role as an award to officers for gallantry (although the DSO was retained as an award for outstanding leadership). The CGC now serves as the second level award for gallantry for all ranks across the whole armed forces.
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5 comments:
I believe the Distinguished Conduct Medal was replaced in Canada with the new Star of Military Valour, also in 1993. Frankly, I'm not sure which sounds better, though the Star of anything is a very Americanised sounding decoration. It would seem Canada just can't help from being Americanised.
Many congratulations to WO2 Wadsworth.
Speaking of Americanisation, however, isn't the CGC ribbon almost exactly like that of the American 'Silver Star' decoration?
Canada couldn't Americanise its decorations unless it gave everyone 5 medals a year just for existing or for being able to find the trigger on a rifle.
Frankly, I think it's more chivalric for the military to receive a cross than as star. The Cross means something. The star is what your first grade teacher sticks on your crayon pictures.
Yeah, our Vets with all of these WW2 campaign stars are so American looking....
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