Star of Courage (Australia)

Star of Courage



Medal and ribbon
Awarded by Australia
Type Medal
Eligibility Australian Citizen or a Foreign Citizen acting on behalf of Australia or an Australian
Awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril [1]
Status Currently awarded
Post-nominals SC
Statistics
Established 14 February 1975
First awarded 1976
Last awarded 2014 Bravery Honours
Total awarded 148[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]

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

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "It's an Honour - Star of Courage". Retrieved 7 February 2008.
  2. ↑ Medal Yearbook 2014. Honiton, Devon: Token. 2014. p. 390. ISBN 978-1-908828-10-1.
  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 2007-11-17.
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