History
The Commendation for Gallantry was established on 15 January 1991 by Letters Patent as the fourth of the Australian gallantry decorations. Where the three levels above it answer great peril and hazardous circumstances, the Commendation recognises other acts of gallantry in action which are considered worthy of recognition, ensuring that courage under fire short of the higher thresholds does not go unmarked.
Like the rest of the family it is open to all ranks, may be awarded posthumously, and has reached back through the end of war lists: many of the soldiers of Long Tan, whose recognition had been constrained by the quota rules of the Imperial era, received the Commendation for Gallantry when their cases were reviewed decades later.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The insignia of the Commendation for Gallantry is a Federation Star superimposed centrally on a gold plated silver row of flames, mounted directly on the ribbon. A miniature of the insignia is worn on the ribbon bar.
The ribbon
A plain orange ribbon carrying the Federation Star on a row of flames.
The insignia is mounted on a ribbon of plain orange, the colour of the Australian gallantry decorations.
Eligibility
The Commendation is awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for Defence, for acts of gallantry in action which are considered worthy of recognition.
- All ranks of the Australian Defence Force are eligible, and the Commendation may be awarded to other persons determined by the Minister;
- The Commendation may be awarded posthumously;
- There is no post-nominal for the Commendation for Gallantry.
Order of wear
The commendations are worn after the medals for gallantry, bravery and distinguished service, and before the war and campaign medals. The precise neighbours in the order of wear should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Commendation for Gallantry awarded for?
Acts of gallantry in action which are considered worthy of recognition. It is the fourth level of the Australian gallantry decorations.
Is it a medal?
It is a decoration in the form of an insignia: a Federation Star on a gold plated silver row of flames, mounted on a plain orange ribbon, with a miniature worn on the ribbon bar.
How is a second award shown?
By additional Commendation insignia attached to the ribbon above the insignia of the earlier award.
Why did many Long Tan veterans receive it?
Reviews of past recognition found that the Imperial quota rules had constrained awards for the battle. The Commendation for Gallantry was used to recognise those actions retrospectively.
Can any rank receive it?
Yes. Like all the Australian gallantry decorations it carries no rank restrictions, and it may be awarded posthumously.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.