Victoria Cross
For the abbreviation, see VC. For other uses, see Victoria Cross (disambiguation). Victoria Cross Obverse of the cross; ribbon: 1½" (38 mm), crimson (blue ribbon for naval awards 1856–1918) Awarded by Monarch of the United Kingdom Type Military decoration Eligibility Persons of any rank in the Naval, Military and Air Forces of the United Kingdom, its colonies or territories, and Commonwealth countries that award UK honours; members of the Merchant Navy; and civilians serving under the orders, directions or supervision of any of the above-mentioned forces or services. [1] Awarded for "... most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy." [2] Status Currently awarded. Description Bronze Cross pattée with Crown and Lion Superimposed, and motto: 'For Valour' Clasps Bars can be awarded for further acts of valour Post-nominals VC Statistics Established 29 January 1856 Firs...