Southern Cross Decoration

Infobox Military Award
name=Southern Cross Decoration


caption= Ribbon: 32mm, dark blue, with two white centre lines
awarded_by=South African Defence Force
type=Decoration
eligibility=
for=Outstanding service of the highest order, and utmost devotion to duty
status=Discontinued
first_award= 1976
last_award= 2003?
individual=
higher=Pro Virtute Decoration

The Southern Cross Decoration was a South African military decoration. It was instituted on 1 July 1975, and was awarded to officers of the South African Defence Force, for outstanding service of the highest order, and utmost devotion to duty. In practice, it was usually a requirement that the officer must already have been awarded the Southern Cross Medal. The SD was discontinued with effect from 27 April 2003.

The decoration is a gold double Maltese cross. The obverse is white, and In the centre is a dark blue roundel displaying the stars of the Southern Cross. The South African coat of arms appears on the reverse.

The ribbon is dark blue with two white lines down the centre.

The equivalent award for "other ranks" (enlisted men) was the Pro Merito Decoration. Both have been superseded by the iPhrothiya yeGolide decoration.

References

* Alexander, E. G. M., Barron G. K. B. and Bateman, A. J. (1986). "South African Orders, Decorations and Medals". Human and Rousseau.

* Monick, S, (1988). "South African Military Awards 1912-1987". South African National Museum of Military History.

ee also

* British and Commonwealth orders and decorations
* South African military decorations

External links

* [http://www.geocities.com/militaf/ South African Medals Website]