George Cross

award for bravery in the United Kingdom

The George Cross (GC) is the highest civil decoration of the United Kingdom, and many other countries of the Commonwealth of Nations.[1] The GC is the civilian counterpart of the Victoria Cross (VC). It is the highest gallantry award for civilians. Also, it may be awarded to military personnel in actions not in the face of the enemy or for which purely military honours would not normally be granted.[2]

George Cross
Obverse of the cross. Ribbon: 38 mm, dark blue.
Awarded by Commonwealth Realms
TypeCivil decoration.
EligibilityCommonwealth subjects.
Awarded for"... acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger."
StatusCurrently awarded.
Post-nominalsGC
Statistics
Established24 September 1940
Total awarded161 (including 2 collective awards)
Posthumous
awards
86
Distinct
recipients
161 (including 2 collective awards)
Precedence
Next (higher)None
EquivalentVictoria Cross
Next (lower)George Medal

GC ribbon bar

Living holders of the George Cross

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The list of living holders of the George Cross is small.[3]

This list is not finished; you can help Wikipedia by adding to it.
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References

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  1. Although certain Commonwealth Realms have now instituted their own indigenous honours systems, replacing the GC and other Commonwealth awards so far as their citizens are concerned.
  2. Mackay J. & Mussell P. 2005, The Medal Yearbook 2006. Token Publishing Devon.
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 "27th Reunion of Victoria Cross and George Cross holders" at VictoriaCross.org; Hardman, Robert. "The heroes given a front-row seat at the royal party," Daily Mail (UK). May 30, 2012: excerpt, "… all 28 living holders of the Victoria Cross or the George Cross …."

4. George Cross Encyclopaedia, by Marion Hebblethwaite, comprehensive illustrated bibliographies of all recipients, 2021