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Valor decoration

Victoria Cross

La plus haute décoration militaire décernée pour bravoure face à l'ennemi aux membres des forces armées britanniques et du Commonwealth.

United Kingdom Créée 1856 All servicesOrdre de préséance: 1st, highest

Médailles et décorations

Décernée pour
Une bravoure très manifeste, ou un acte d'audace ou de bravoure prééminent, ou un sacrifice de soi, en présence de l'ennemi.
Éligibilité
Membres des forces armées britanniques et du Commonwealth
Arme
All services
Ordre de préséance
1st, highest
Victoria Cross, Valor decoration, United Kingdom medal

Histoire

La Victoria Cross a été créée en 1856 pendant la guerre de Crimée. La reine Victoria souhaitait une médaille pour honorer la bravoure que tout soldat, marin ou membre du corps des Marines pouvait mériter, peu importe son grade. La médaille est fabriquée à partir de bronze provenant de canons ennemis capturés, ce qui rend chaque exemplaire unique. La Victoria Cross est la plus haute distinction pour bravoure au Royaume-Uni et dans les pays du Commonwealth comme le Canada, l'Australie et la Nouvelle-Zélande. Elle est décernée pour un acte de courage extrême face à l'ennemi. Environ 1 350 Victoria Cross ont été décernées depuis sa création. Pendant la Première Guerre mondiale et la Seconde Guerre mondiale, de nombreux soldats l'ont reçue pour des actes de grande bravoure au combat. La médaille est une petite croix en bronze avec un lion et une couronne, suspendue à un ruban bleu pour la marine et un ruban cramoisi pour l'armée de terre.

Questions fréquentes

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Vétérans ayant reçu cette décoration

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Ben Roberts-Smith, including Victoria Cross for Australia, Star of Gallantry, Medal for Gallantry, Afghanistan Medal, Australian Active Service Medal, Australian Service Medal, Australian Defence Medal, shown against a light Australia flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.
Afghanistan
Victoria Cross for Australia Star of Gallantry Medal for Gallantry+4

Ben Roberts-Smith

Who Was Ben Roberts-Smith?

An Australian soldier decorated for extreme bravery in Afghanistan.

Australia11 June 2010
Lire l'histoire
Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Willie Apiata, including Victoria Cross for New Zealand, New Zealand Gallantry Star, New Zealand Gallantry Decoration, New Zealand Gallantry Medal, New Zealand General Service Medal 2002, New Zealand Operational Service Medal, New Zealand Defence Service Medal, shown against a light New Zealand flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.
Afghanistan
Victoria Cross for New Zealand New Zealand Gallantry Star New Zealand Gallantry Decoration+4

Willie Apiata

Who Was Willie Apiata?

The first recipient of the Victoria Cross for New Zealand for bravery in Afghanistan.

New Zealand20 July 2004
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Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Herbert Jones, including Victoria Cross, Order of the British Empire, shown against a light United Kingdom flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.
Malouines
Victoria Cross Order of the British Empire

Herbert Jones

How Did Lieutenant Colonel H. Jones Earn the Victoria Cross at Goose Green?

Lieutenant Colonel H. Jones was the commanding officer of 2 Para who led a daring assault during the Battle of Goose Green in the Falklands War.

BritishMay 28, 1982
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Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to George Pearkes, including Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, shown against a light Canada flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.
Ire GM
Victoria Cross Distinguished Service Order Military Cross

George Pearkes

How Did Major George Pearkes Earn the Victoria Cross at Passchendaele?

Major George Pearkes was a Canadian officer awarded the Victoria Cross for his exceptional leadership and bravery during the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917.

CanadianOctober 30-31, 1917
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Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to H. Jones, including Victoria Cross, Officer of the Order of the British Empire, Member of the Order of the British Empire, South Atlantic Medal, shown against a light United Kingdom flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.
Malouines
Victoria Cross Officer of the Order of the British Empire Member of the Order of the British Empire+1

H. Jones

How Did Lieutenant Colonel H. Jones Earn the Victoria Cross at Goose Green?

Lieutenant Colonel H. Jones was the commanding officer of 2 PARA who died leading a decisive charge against Argentine positions during the Battle of Goose Green.

British28 May 1982
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Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Philip Neame, including Victoria Cross, Olympic Gold Medal (1924), shown against a light United Kingdom flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.
Ire GM
Victoria Cross Olympic Gold Medal (1924)

Philip Neame

Who Was the Only Person to Win Both a Victoria Cross and an Olympic Gold Medal?

Sir Philip Neame was a distinguished British officer who earned the Victoria Cross in World War I and later secured an Olympic gold medal in shooting.

British19 December 1914
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Sources