Appendix 3 – Definitions for Military Valour Decorations
The following definitions may be used to assist in interpreting the terms used in the official criteria for the three MVDs. It is understood that several of these terms appear to be synonyms or closely related but each is used in at least one of the three official criteria, hence their separate listing herein. The definitions are directly inspired in part or in whole from those used by our allies (Australia and New Zealand) or from established dictionaries:
- bravery:
- enduring great danger in an admirable or commendable manner; exceptional courage or courageous endurance above expectations; dashing courage; heroic bravery; the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear or difficulty.
- daring:
- adventurous courage; audacious boldness.
- devotion to duty:
- strong feelings of loyalty, love, and admiration that a person has for their work, superiors, peers or subordinates, that enables their desire to exert more time, energy and effort in carrying out their duty.
- distinguished:
- successful, authoritative, and commanding great respect; implies acknowledged and respected excellence or superiority.
- enemy:
- hostile armed force, and includes armed terrorists, armed mutineers, armed rebels, armed rioters and armed pirates.
- extreme:
- reaching a high or the highest degree; very great. most conspicuous: easy to be seen; readily attracting attention; actions of the highest possible level or ultimate standard which may be difficult to surpass.
- pre-eminent:
- surpassing all others; distinguished beyond others.
- self-sacrifice:
- the giving up of one's own interests, wishes or personal safety in order to help others or advance a cause.
- valiant:
- possessing or acting with bravery or boldness: courageous, very brave or bravely determined.
- valour:
- boldness or firmness in braving danger; great bravery or heroic courage, especially in battle.
Page details
- Date modified: