Background:
The Star of Gallantry (SG) was introduced in January 1991 and is awarded for acts of great heroism or conspicuous gallantry in action in circumstances of great peril. It is the second highest decoration behind the Victoria Cross of Australia. An amendment was made to include actions in operations in circumstances similar to armed combat or actual operations. Since its inception, only seven awards of the Star of Gallantry have been made.
Design:
The Star of Gallantry is a gold-plated, silver seven pointed Federation Star, ensigned with the Crown of Saint Edward affixed to a suspension bar, unusually inscribed on both the obverse and reverse, ‘FOR GALLANTRY’. The obverse displays a smaller Federation Star in a field of flames, representing action under fire. The reverse has a central panel for the recipient details on a stepped background. The ribbon has a design of chevrons of light orange alternating with chevrons of deep orange, angled at 60 degrees. The ribbon is worn with the points facing upwards.
Bars:
A further award is denoted by a gold-plated bar with the Federation Star on a horizontal row of flames. When the ribbon alone is worn, the award of a bar is indicated by an emblem in the form of a gold-plated Federation Star.
