Astra Militarum Awards and Honours - Notable Astra Militarum Imperial Honours: Imperial Honours are commendations that are recognised, in one form or another, throughout the Imperium of Man. There are many different commendation systems that vary by segmentum, sector, Crusade, campaign, regiment, and company, some with traditions dating back thousands of standard years. However, the honours presented below are some of the most commonly used and widely recognized throughout the Imperium:Name of AwardDetailsDesignStar of TerraThe Star of Terra is the highest possible award that an Imperial soldier can obtain in his or her own lifetime. It is awarded by the High Lords of Terra to a select few individuals for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty. Notable recipients of the Star of Terra are Sergeant Lukas Bastonne of Cadia and Sly Marbo of the Catachan Jungle Fighters, who is a multiple recipient.Pict-file not found.Order of Ollanius PiusThe Order of Ollanius Pius represents the very highest honour a mortal man can earn in the service of the Imperium. This most esteemed of honours is only awarded by the High Lords of Terra themselves, for an individual's display of epic leadership as well as personal courage, above and beyond the call of duty. This award takes the form of a winged medal that bears the golden face of an angelic youth, laurel leaves arrayed across his noble brow. The youth depicted is none other than Ollanius Pius, an Imperial Saint and mythological figure within the Imperial Creed. Ollanius Pius is said to have sacrificed his life to save the Emperor Himself, during the Siege of Terra. Intricate scrollwork beneath the beatific visage bears the inscription, "Amid the weeping and the woe, accursed daemon remain and rot, I know thee filthy as thou art, I know." These ominous words speak of things few men are allowed to know, except by those of very esteemed rank -- the knowledge that denizens of the Empyrean exist, and that only through prayer and eternal vigilance of the God-Emperor are they kept at bay.Pict-file not found.Honourifica ImperialisThe Honourifica Imperialis covers a broad class of gallantry medals. These are bestowed within each segmentum so this example would be more properly called the Obscuras Honourifica. The bearer of an Honourifica is a genuine hero of the Imperium and will enjoy the highest regard of his comrades and superiors. 	 	 	 		 			 		 		 		 	 The Macharian CrossThe Macharian Cross here is much prized by rising officers as it is issued in recognition of intelligent application of the tenets of the Tactica Imperialis. Courage alone will not win this medal and the bearer of one is likely to be recruited into the general staff during future campaigns or Crusades when his talents can be developed. 	 	 	 		 			 		 		 		 	 Medallion CrimsonLess prestigious than an Honourifica but more common amongst veterans of the Imperial Guard is the Medallion Crimson. This is issued to soldiers who have continued to do their duty despite the most terrible injuries. Often the bearers will also have bionic replacements to show for their courage as well as the Medallion. Most, however, are awarded posthumously. 	 	<a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/c/c6/4._Medallion_Crimson.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223011148" class="image"><img alt="4" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/c/c6/4._Medallion_Crimson.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223011148" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="292" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="4. Medallion Crimson.png" data-image-key="4._Medallion_Crimson.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/c/c6/4._Medallion_Crimson.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223011148" /></a> 	 		 			 		 		 		 	 The Eagle OrdinaryIssued to Imperial Guardsmen and other associated military personnel (Imperial Navy ranks, Officio Medicae, etc.) for acts of valour beyond what is required (but not considered extraordinary). A common jest amongst the bearers of the medal is that they are the "boring heroes" of a regiment due to the fact that they are not dead. However, those who do not possess the Eagle Ordinary respect it as a symbol of courage. 	 	<a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/6/65/10._Eagle_Ordinary.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223013235" class="image"><img alt="10" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/6/65/10._Eagle_Ordinary.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223013235" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="151" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="10. Eagle Ordinary.png" data-image-key="10._Eagle_Ordinary.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/6/65/10._Eagle_Ordinary.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223013235" /></a> 	 		 			 		 		 		 			Order no: Dmreqord/c91/eagleord1204/remi 		 	 The Order of the Scarlet WingA lesser medal from the same group as the Order of the Eagle's Claw, the Scarlet Wing signifies that the bearer has been injured in (but survived) a battle where he has participated in some manner of airborne assault. Injuries in such actions are commonplace, however, and hardened drop troops refer to receiving this medal as "getting his wings." 	 	<a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/f/fc/Order_of_the_Scarlet_Wing.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223011641" class="image"><img alt="Order of the Scarlet Wing" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/f/fc/Order_of_the_Scarlet_Wing.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223011641" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="154" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="Order of the Scarlet Wing.png" data-image-key="Order_of_the_Scarlet_Wing.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/f/fc/Order_of_the_Scarlet_Wing.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223011641" /></a> 	 		 			 		 		 		 			Order no: Dmreqord/c91/scarletwing1304/remi 		 	 The Winged SkullThe Winged Skull is a traditional badge of ancient origin. Classical convention is to represent the skull with an iron device (which has been adopted by the Adeptus Astartes as the insignia for a Sergeant). It is usually displayed on the shoulder guards of armour and is most commonly awarded for inspirational leadership leading to righteous victory. 	 	<a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/8/82/8._Winged_Skull.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223013503" class="image"><img alt="8" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/8/82/8._Winged_Skull.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223013503" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="143" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="8. Winged Skull.png" data-image-key="8._Winged_Skull.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/8/82/8._Winged_Skull.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223013503" /></a> 	 		 			 		 		 		 			Order no: Dmreqor/c91/wingedskull1404/remi 		 	 The Triple SkullThis medal is awarded to the survivors of actions in which their units have suffered at least 66% casualties. Regrettably, several units of the Cadian 91st received such an honour for their valorous sacrifices during the campaign on Medusa V. It is considered in every way inferior to the Golden Skull, which is issued posthumously to those who fall in such engagements, although doubtless the recipients view it a little more favourably. 	 	<a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/1/11/7._Triple_Skull.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223012945" class="image"><img alt="7" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/1/11/7._Triple_Skull.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223012945" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="78" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="7. Triple Skull.png" data-image-key="7._Triple_Skull.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/1/11/7._Triple_Skull.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223012945" /></a> 	 		 			 		 		 		 			Order no: Dmreqord/c91/tripskull1104/remi 		 	 ImperialisThe Imperialis symbol, a winged skull, dates back to the Horus Heresy when it was used by the Loyalist Space Marine Legions and the Imperial Army troopers in recognition of bravery and loss. Later, it became a badge of honour borne by Loyalist units during the Heresy. The wings of the skull represent the wings of the Aquila, the double-headed eagle that is the official symbol of the Imperium, while the skull is a common motif in Imperial iconography which represents the sacrifice of the Emperor of Mankind for humanity's salvation. 	 	<a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/9/99/Imperialis_HH_Era.png/revision/latest?cb=20150526214845" class="image"><img alt="Imperialis HH Era" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/9/99/Imperialis_HH_Era.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20150526214845" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="47" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="Imperialis HH Era.png" data-image-key="Imperialis_HH_Era.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/9/99/Imperialis_HH_Era.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20150526214845" /></a> 	 		 			 		 		 		 			An ancient pict-capture of an Imperialis utilised by Loyalist forces during the Horus Heresy 		 	 The Ribbon IntrinsicTaking the form of an etched brass strip with a tripartite ribbon hanging beneath, the Ribbon Intrinsic is awarded to units rather than individuals. It is given only to squads that have proven to be the linchpin for a victorious battlefront, where it held the line fast and turned what could have easily been a defeat into a victory by determination alone. Despite its low material value, the Ribbon Intrinsic is said to forge a great bond between members of a platoon and ensure they go from strength to strength. In practice, the Ribbon is usually awarded to a handful of individuals at a time, the tattered and desperate survivors of battles they would rather forget. 	 	<a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/4/4e/6._Ribbon_Intrinsic.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223012425" class="image"><img alt="6" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/4/4e/6._Ribbon_Intrinsic.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223012425" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="130" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="6. Ribbon Intrinsic.png" data-image-key="6._Ribbon_Intrinsic.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/4/4e/6._Ribbon_Intrinsic.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223012425" /></a> 	 		 			 		 		 		 			Order no:Dmreqord/c91/ribintris9004/remi 		 	 The Merit of TerraThe Merit of Terra is awarded to Cadian soldiers who have voluntarily postponed their own demobilisation. A bittersweet award, the Merit of Terra signifies that the bearer will be required to serve much longer than expected. However, it is a well-known sign of steadfast loyalty toward the Golden Throne. All Imperial military personnel respect those bearing the Merit, and it is reported that even the Adeptus Astartes acknowledge the diligence and self-sacrifice that the award represents. 	 	<a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/8/89/14._Merit_of_Terra.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223022841" class="image"><img alt="14" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/8/89/14._Merit_of_Terra.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223022841" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="190" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="14. Merit of Terra.png" data-image-key="14._Merit_of_Terra.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/8/89/14._Merit_of_Terra.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223022841" /></a> 	 		 			 		 		 		 			Order no: Dmreqord/c91/meritterra1704/remi