Cross of Valour (Australia)

The Cross of Valour is Australia's highest civilian award for bravery. It was established in 1975 to replace the British George Cross, previously awarded to Australians.

The Cross of Valour is awarded "only for acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril". The award carries the post-nominal initials CV; awards may be made posthumously.

Government allowance
The Government of Australia may grant an allowance to veterans or serving members of the Australian Defence Force who have been awarded the Cross of Valour, or other awards for gallantry. At November 2007, this allowance was A$2.10 per fortnight.

Description

 * The Cross of Valour is a gold, straight-armed cross pattée with diminishing rays between the arms. It is ensigned with the Crown of St Edward.
 * The obverse has the shield and crest of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms surmounted by a Federation Star. A suspender bar is engraved with the words 'For Valour'.
 * The ribbon is 38mm wide, magenta with a central 16mm blood-red band. The two reds in the ribbon represent the colours of venous and arterial blood.

List of recipients
To date, the Cross of Valour has been awarded to five recipients.


 * 1989
 * Mr Darrell Tree, Captain of Mount Damper Fire Brigade, SA - Rescued a 3-year-old child from electrocution.


 * 1995
 * Mr Victor Boscoe, Qld - Pursued and apprehended armed robbers at Strathpine.


 * 1998
 * Senior Constable Allan Sparkes, NSW - Rescued a boy from flooded underground storm water drains.


 * 2003
 * Senior Constable Timothy Britten, WA - Entered the bombed Bali nightclub to rescue a badly injured woman, and then continued to search for survivors despite personal injury and ongoing explosions.


 * Mr Richard Joyes, WA - Entered the bombed Bali nightclub to rescue a badly injured woman, and then continued to search for survivors despite personal injury and ongoing explosions.