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]
| Star of Courage | |
|---|---|
  Medal and ribbon | |
| Type | Medal |
| Awarded for | "acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril"[1] |
| Presented by | Australia |
| Eligibility | Australian Citizen or a Foreign Citizen acting on behalf of Australia or an Australian |
| Post-nominals | SC |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Established | 14 February 1975 |
| First awarded | 1976 |
| Last awarded | 24 July 2018 |
| Total | 182[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 |
Description
editMedal
editThe 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
editA 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
editSection 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
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f "It's an Honour - Star of Courage". Retrieved 7 February 2008.
- ^ Medal Yearbook 2023. Honiton, Devon: Token. 2022. p. 459. ISBN 978-1-908828-63-7.
- ^ a b "The Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards" (PDF). Government House. 25 September 2007. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f "Australian Bravery Association - Star of Courage". Retrieved 7 February 2008.
- ^ "Veteran's Entitlements Act 1986 - Sect 102". Commonwealth Consolidated Acts. Australasian Legal Information Institute. Retrieved 17 November 2007.
External links
edit- Star of Courage Fact Sheet, Australian Bravery Association. Also at It's an Honour
- The Australian Honours Secretariat, www.gg.gov.au