Louw Wepener Decoration

The Louw Wepener Decoration was a South African military decoration that was in use from 1952 to 1975. It was awarded for "most conspicuous or greatest heroism, in circumstances of great danger", and was primarily a non-combat decoration.

History
This medal was instituted in honour of Louw Wepener who, in 1865 lost his life whilst leading his burghers in an attack on a stronghold on Thaba Bosigo in the Basuto Wars of 1858-1865.

Criteria
All ranks of SADF for acts of the most conspicuous courage or greatest heroism in circumstances of extreme danger', during war or peactime

Description
The obverse depicts a mountain peak representing Thaba Bosigo with two men on horseback at its foot. Below the horsemen the words "Thaba Bosigo, 1865". Around the top circumference are the words "LOUW WEPENER" and around the bottom circumference the words "DECORATION : DEKORASIE"
 * Obverse

The South African coat of arms. Decorations minted before 31 May 1961 have Queen Elizabeth II's royal cipher above the arms. The ribbon is divided into eleven stripes alternately orange and white.
 * Reverse
 * Ribbon

Recipients
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 * Nel, D. van H.
 * SA Army
 * 2nd Lieutenant
 * Special Service Battalion
 * 19 May 1961
 * Climbed aboard a burning armoured car at a public event, to extinguish the fire and prevent an explosion.
 * Van Aswegen, W.A.G.
 * SA Army
 * Sergeant
 * Special Service Battalion
 * 19 May 1961
 * Same citation as 2Lt Nel
 * Stephens, F.P.
 * SA Army
 * Sergeant
 * SA Corps of Military Police
 * 1 Nov 1963
 * Defused an explosive device that had been placed on a railway line.
 * Van Wyk, H.H.
 * SA Army
 * Rifleman
 * 1 SA Infantry Battalion
 * 1 Nov 1963
 * Jumped onto the wing of an incoming light aircraft with a damaged wheel, to help the pilot land safely.
 * van Heerden, J.H.
 * SA Army
 * Commandant
 * Middle Karoo Commando
 * 15 Aug 1969
 * Threw a live grenade clear of training group at risk of his own life.
 * style="background:#e3d9ff;"|
 * Britz, J.P.
 * SA Air Force
 * Major
 * 1 Squadron
 * 19 Mar 1970
 * Prevented his stricken aircraft from crashing into a built-up area by staying at the controls instead of escaping by parachute.
 * style="background:#e3d9ff;"|
 * Zeelie, F.J.
 * SA Army
 * Lieutenant
 * 1 Recce Commando
 * 6 Dec 1974
 * Single-handedly stormed an enemy position (he was the first SADF casualty in the Border War
 * Major
 * 1 Squadron
 * 19 Mar 1970
 * Prevented his stricken aircraft from crashing into a built-up area by staying at the controls instead of escaping by parachute.
 * style="background:#e3d9ff;"|
 * Zeelie, F.J.
 * SA Army
 * Lieutenant
 * 1 Recce Commando
 * 6 Dec 1974
 * Single-handedly stormed an enemy position (he was the first SADF casualty in the Border War
 * Single-handedly stormed an enemy position (he was the first SADF casualty in the Border War