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George Medal (G.M.)
Awarded to civilians for acts of great bravery, but not so outstanding as to merit consideration for the George Cross. The GM is also awarded to military personnel for those acts for which military honours would not normally granted, such as acts of great bravery not in presence of the enemy.
Medal
Silver and circular in shape. The obverse of the medal (shown here) shows the crowned effigy of the current reigning monarch (although King George VI is shown here). The reverse bears the image of St. George on horseback slaying the Dragon, circrumscribed by the words 'The George Medal'.
Clasp
A silver bar ornated with laurel leaves may be issued to GM holders performing a further act of such bravery which would have merited award of the GM. When the ribbon alone is worn, a silver rosette denotes award of the Clasp.
Ribbon
Crimson with five narrow stripes of blue.
Awarded to
Awarded to civilians for acts of great bravery, but not so outstanding as to merit consideration for the George Cross. The GM is also awarded to military personnel for those acts for which military honours would not normally granted, such as acts of great bravery not in presence of the enemy.
History
The George Medal was introduced at the same time as the George Cross when, during the summer of 1940 as Britain came under intense air attack, Winston Churchill thought that a new medal to recognise the many acts of gallantry being performed by civilians should be introduced. The King agreed and in January 1941 the Warrants relating to award of the GC, for outstanding gallantry, and the GM, for outstanding bravery, were published.
Post Nominals
Recipients of the George Medal are entitled to the postnominal letters ‘GM’. |
