Victoria Cross

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military medal given for bravery "in the face of the enemy" to members of the defence forces of Commonwealth  countries, and former British Empire territories. It is the most important medal, more important than all other orders, decorations and medals. 

It may be given to a person of any rank in any  service (army, navy or air force) or anyone working for the military. It is usually presented to the person, or a family member if they were killed, by the British monarch during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. It can be presented by the Governor-General for awards made by other Commonwealth countries. 

It is the joint highest medal for bravery in the United Kingdom with the George Cross, which is for bravery not in the face of the enemy. However, the VC is higher in the order of importance and would be worn first by a person who had been given both medals (which has not happened).

The VC was begun on 29 January 1856 by Queen Victoria for acts    of bravery during the Crimean War. Since then, the medal has been given 1,356 times to 1,353 people. Only 13 medals, nine to members of the British Army, and four to the Australian Army have been presented since the Second World War.

Since 1990, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, have started their own versions of the VC.

Living holders of the Victoria Cross
The list of living holders of the Victoria Cross is small."27th Reunion of Victoria Cross and George Cross holders" at VictoriaCross.org; Hardman, Robert.  "The heroes given a front-row seat at the royal party," Daily Mail (UK). May 30, 2012: excerpt, "... all 28 living holders of the Victoria Cross or the George Cross ...."
 This list is not finished; you can help Wikipedia by adding to it.
 Bill Apiata, VC  2004
 Johnson Beharry, VC  1951
 John Cruickshank, VC 1966
 Mark Donaldson, VC  2009
 Rambahadur Limbu, VC, MVO  2005
 Keith Payne, VC, OAM, DSC (US)  2007
 Ben Roberts-Smith, VC MG  2011
 William Speakman-Pitts, VC 2011
 Daniel Kieghran   2012

 Related pages 
 Victoria Cross for Australia
George Cross
George Medal
Elizabeth Cross

 References 

Category:Military honors