Special Sub-Topic: Medals and Awards Click Here To Play: Medals and Awards

The Vietnam Medal was awarded to the troops of which countries?

Australia and New Zealand. Recipients had to serve one day in country, 28 days at sea or 30 days on official visit, continuous. The Australian version had large capitals spelling Vietnam while the New Zealand version had small capitals. This was the first medal designed and produced in Australia.

In what year was The Order of Leopold instituted?

1832. Originally awarded in 4 classes this was increased to 5 in 1839. It was instituted by KIng Leopold I of Belgium. It bears the motto "L'Union fait la force".

Who instituted the Légion d'Honneur?

Napoleon Bonaparte. This award came into being on 19 May 1802. When awarded for gallantry in wartime it is accompanied by the Croix de Guerre. The award has 5 classes.

Which Cross appears on the French Order of Liberation?

Cross of Lorraine. Instituted on 3 June 1940 by Charles de Gaulle as leader of the Free French. Awarded to all who rendered 'exceptional services' in the liberation of France.

Who instituted The Order of the German Eagle?

Adolf Hitler. This award came into being on 1 May 1937. Although intended only for foreigners, it was worn by the German Foreign Minister on official occasions. The wearing of Nazi decorations was forbidden after the war. On 26 July 1957 a law was passed permitting the wearing of certain orders provided that the swastika (or Nazi emblem) has been removed.

Who instituted the Iron Cross?

Frederick William III in 1813. Awarded in 2 classes for gallantry in action. This award was revived for the Franco-Prussian war 1870-1871 and for WWI. 219,300 1st Class and about 5.5million 2nd Class were awarded between 1813 and November 1918. It was the first medal for gallantry open to ordinary soldiers, NCOs, junior and middle-ranking officers. An interesting variant is the "Iron Cross in Gold", which has nothing to do with bravery as such, but with successful command. It has been awarded only twice - to Blücher for the Battle of Watlerloo (1815) and to Hindenburg for the Battle of Tannanberg (1914).

Which monarch instituted The Order of St Olaf?

KIng Oscar I. Awarded for outstanding civil or military service. Military recipients' medals have crossed swords between the upper arm of the cross. This order is not to be confused with the St Olaf's Medal instituted in 1939.

For what was the Order of the Crown of Romania awarded?

War Merit. This award was instituted in 1881, at the time when Romania emerged from a principality to become a kingdom. Romania remained a kingdom until 1947 when it became a People's Republic. The country's name changed again in 1965 to the Socialist Republic. In 1990 it was changed to Republic of Romania.

For what is the Order of Vasa awarded?

Service rendered to national industry and manufacturers. This award was founded in 1772 by Gustav III. There are 5 Classes in the award. There are also a Badge and Medal of Vasa.

The United Kingdom's Meritorious Service Medal (Army) has an annuity for life of how much?

£2,000. Instituted on 19 December 1845 for the Army, 1849 for the Royal Marines. Until WWI it was awarded to specially selected Warrant Officers and Sergeants for long and meritorious service, not a frequent award. The criteria was extended in 1916 to include Sergeants, NCO's and men irrespective of length of service. In January 1917 these were changed to cover all those for gallant conduct other than in action, or saving/attempting to save an officer/soldier or for devotion to duty under war conditions.

How many versions of the United Kingdom's Distinguished Conduct Medal have there been to date?

8. Instituted in 1854. Originally awarded for distinguished, gallant and good conduct shown by troops in the Crimean war. They were issued on a quota basis to each regiment due to restrictions on funding. The award has since been awarded for almost every campaign of the British Army.

Which flag contains the George Cross?

Malta. The George Cross is a reward for heroism by civilians, or members of the armed services where the instance does not warrant a military award. The award was only to be made where the most Conspicous Gallantry was shown and the recipient was in Extreme Danger. The people of Malta were awarded the George Cross for their heroism and resilience during the Axis Siege of 1940-1943.

The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (1939) has how many classes?

4. This award is worn at the neck. Its awards are 1. Oak Leaves, 2. Oak Leaves and Swords, 3. Swords and Brilliants [=Diamonds], 4. (Golden) Oak Leaves, Swords and Brilliants [=Diamonds]. The Knight's Cross is one of the most commonly forged decorations.

The Military Order of the Netherlands Lion is awarded to military personnel for valour.

f. This award is given for outstanding merit and services to the state, to science and the arts. Although awarded mainly to civilians, officers and members of the Armed Forces are also eligible. The Order has three classes. A further category, called "Brother of the Order" is awarded for outstanding philanthropic work.

Awarded for Outstanding Gallantry. I am the highest Military Decoration my country can bestow. The words 'For valour' appear as my motto. To date I have been awarded 1,354 times. What am I?

The Victoria Cross (VC). The Victoria Cross was born during the Crimean War although the first award was not made until a year after hostilities had ceased. At the time the highest award for military prowess was the Order of the Bath, but this was only open to Senior Officers. The Distinguished Conduct medal (1854), was one remedy, an award for NCO's and Privates, but the British sense of 'Fair Play' demanded more and the Victoria Cross was the result. Originally to be termed 'The Military Order of Victoria' Prince Albert crossed this through with his pencil and substituted 'The Victoria Cross'.