The George Cross (GC)
The George Cross is the premier award given for non-operational gallantry or gallantry not in the presence of an enemy. This is awarded for acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. It may be awarded to all ranks of the services and civilians and can be awarded posthumously.
The George Medal (GM)
The George Medal is awarded for conspicuous gallantry not in the presence of the enemy. A silver bar may be issued to George Medal holders who perform a further act of such bravery which would have merited award of a second GM. This award is available posthumously.
The Queen’s Gallantry Medal (QGM)
The Queen’s Gallantry Medal is awarded to civilians for acts of exemplary bravery at a level below that of the George Medal. The QGM is also awarded to military personnel for acts which military honours would not normally be granted such as acts of exemplary bravery not in the presence of the enemy.
A silver bar may be issued to QGM holders who perform a further act of such bravery which would have merited award of the QGM. This award is available posthumously.
The Queen’s Commendation for Bravery (QCB)
The Queen’s Commendation for Bravery is awarded for an act (or acts) of bravery not in the presence of the enemy. This award is available posthumously.
The New Zealand Cross (NZC)
The New Zealand Cross (NZC) is awarded for 'acts of great bravery in situations of extreme danger'. The Cross is similar in design to the original New Zealand Cross instituted by the Government in 1869.
The New Zealand Bravery Star (NZBS)
The New Zealand Bravery Star (NZBS) is awarded for 'acts of outstanding bravery in situations of danger'.
The New Zealand Bravery Star is a silver eight-pointed star (with four long and four short points). The design is the reverse of the shape of the New Zealand Cross.
The New Zealand Bravery Decoration (NZBD)
The New Zealand Bravery Decoration (NZBD) is awarded for 'acts of exceptional bravery in situations of danger'.
The New Zealand Bravery Decoration is a silver cross of similar shape to the New Zealand Cross.
The New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM) - obverse and reverse -
The New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM) is awarded for acts of bravery.
The New Zealand Bravery Medal is a bronze medal bearing on the obverse (front) the effigy of The Queen.
Descriptions and photographs reproduced with permission of The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, New Zealand Government and The Ministry of Defence, Government UK.
PDSA Gold Medal
The PDSA Gold Medal is an animal bravery award that acknowledges the bravery and devotion to duty of animals. It was created by the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) in 2001, and is now recognised as the animal equivalent of the George Cross. An animal can be awarded the PDSA Gold Medal if it assists in saving human or non-human life when its own life is in danger or through exceptional devotion to duty. The medal can also be awarded to animals in public service, such as police or rescue dogs, if the animal dies or suffers serious injury while carrying out its official duties in the face of armed and violent opposition.
New Zealand Police dog Gage has received the PDSA Gold Medal.