Star of Courage (Australia)

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
TypeMedal
Awarded for"acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril"[1]
Presented byAustralia
EligibilityAustralian Citizen or a Foreign Citizen acting on behalf of Australia or an Australian
Post-nominalsSC
StatusCurrently awarded
Established14 February 1975
First awarded1976
Last awarded24 July 2018
Total166[2]
Order of Wear
Next (higher)Star of Gallantry[3]
Next (lower)Distinguished Service Cross[3]
RelatedCross of Valour
Bravery Medal
Commendation for Brave Conduct
Group Bravery Citation

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. "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. "The Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards" (PDF). Government House. 25 September 2007. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  4. "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 17 November 2007.


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