Military Cross
British military decoration / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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For the Polish military award, see Order of the Military Cross and Military Cross (Poland).
The Military Cross (MC) is the third-level (second-level until 1993) military decoration awarded to officers and (since 1993) other ranks of the British Armed Forces, and formerly awarded to officers of other Commonwealth countries.
Quick Facts Type, Awarded for ...
Military Cross | |
---|---|
Type | Military decoration |
Awarded for | ... gallantry during active operations against the enemy.[1] |
Description | Obverse: Straight armed silver cross, Royal Cypher in centre Reverse: plain |
Presented by | United Kingdom and Commonwealth |
Eligibility | British, (and formerly) Commonwealth and allied forces |
Status | active |
Established | 28 December 1914 |
First awarded | 1 January 1915 to 98 officers and warrant officers.[2] |
Total | Including further awards:[3] George V: c. 43,500 George VI: over 11,500 Elizabeth II: c. 750 Charles III: 0 |
Total recipients | 52,000+[4] |
Military Cross ribbon: without bar, and with one and two bars | |
Order of Wear | |
Next (higher) | Conspicuous Gallantry Cross[5] |
Next (lower) | Distinguished Flying Cross[5] |
Related | Military Medal |
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The MC is granted in recognition of "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land" to all members of the British Armed Forces of any rank.[6] In 1979, Queen Elizabeth II approved a proposal that a number of awards, including the Military Cross, could be recommended posthumously.[7]