Unit Citation for Gallantry
- Significance
- History
- Past recipients
- How it is awarded
- Medal design
- Print fact sheet
- More information
Significance
The Unit Citation for Gallantry recognises extraordinary gallantry in action.
It is one of two Unit Citations that acknowledge the value of collective effort in military operations. The other award is the Meritorious Unit Citation.
History
The Unit Citation for Gallantry and the Meritorious Unit Citation were introduced into the Australian honours system in 1991.
Unlike awards for individuals, recognition of group endeavour has little history in honours systems around the world. The relatively recent tradition of unit citations introduced by the United States in 1942, has prompted broader recognition of collective endeavour.
The Unit Citation for Gallantry was formally established on 15 January 1991 by Letters Patent.
Past recipients
Following Operation Falconer in Iraq, a Unit Citation for Gallantry was awarded to Australian Army No.1 Special Air Service Squadron. The unit was recognised for the development and execution of bold, innovative plans in support of high-risk operations.
Search the Australian Honours List for recipients of the Unit Citation for Gallantry.
View the numbers awarded for the Unit Citation for Gallantry.
How it is awarded
The Governor-General awards the Unit Citation for Gallantry on the recommendation of the Minister for Defence.
Each award consists of a certificate of citation to the unit signed by the Governor-General and insignia for each recipient.
The citation may be awarded posthumously. There are no post-nominal entitlements.
Medal design
Unit Citation for Gallantry
The medal of a Unit Citation for Gallantry is a gilt sterling-silver frame with a design of flames emanating from the edge to the centre. The frame surrounds a ribbon bar of deep green, which displays a gilt sterling-silver Federation Star at its centre.
Members who join a unit after the citation is awarded are entitled to wear the insignia but without the Federation Star.
Print fact sheet
The information on this page is available as a printable fact sheet.
- Unit Citation for Gallantry - Fact Sheet - PDF 62KB | RTF 913KB
Note: For more information on PDF files and their use see the PDF Help page on this site.
More information
For more information on the Unit Citation for Gallantry contact:
Directorate of Honours and Awards
T-1-49
Department of Defence
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Ph: 1800 111 321
Website: http://www.defence.gov.au/medals/
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