Bravery Medal (Australia)

Infobox Military Award
name=Bravery Medal


caption=Obverse of medal and ribbon
awarded_by=Australia
type= Medal
eligibility= Ausralian Citizen
for= "acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances"
status= Currently awarded
description=
clasps=
established= 14 February1975
first_award=
last_award= 2007
total= 872
posthumous=
recipients=
individual=
higher= Medal for Gallantry (MG)
same=
lower= Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)
related= Star of Courage (SC)
Commendation for Brave Conduct


caption2=The Bravery Medal (BM) is a bravery decoration awarded to Australians.cite web |url=http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/awards/medals/bravery_medal.cfm |title= It's an Honour - Bravery Medal |accessdaymonth= 28 January |accessyear= 2008 |language=English] It is awarded for acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances. The BM was created in February 1975. The decorations recognise acts of bravery by members of the community. They selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others. It is ranked third in the Australian bravery decoration in the Australian Honours System. Recipients of the Bravery Medal are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "BM".

Design

Medal

The Bravery Medal is a circular bronze medal ensigned with the Crown of Saint Edward. It is surmounted with the shield and crest of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. The Federation Star is above the shield, which is contained in a circular zig-zag border.

Bar and Ribbon

The Medal is suspended from a ribbon by a bar inscribed "FOR BRAVERY". The ribbon is 32 mm wide and has 15 alternating stripes of blood-red and magenta representing the colours of venous and arterial blood. The bar and ribbon are the same design to signify that they represent the same award.

References