Ministry Of Defence
The Ministry of Defence Medal Office issues medals to currently serving members of the armed forces, veterans and MOD employees. If you are a member of other services, such as the fire, police or prison service, you should contact your organisations Human Resources department in the first instance.
You can apply for a medal if you meet the criteria.
The information in this guide is intended to give a brief overview only.
Announcements
Nuclear Test Veterans Commemorative Medal
On 21 November, the Prime Minister announced the introduction of a commemorative medal to recognise Service personnel and civilians who participated in nuclear testing between 1952 and 1967.The medal will also be available to the next of kin of eligible individuals who have since died.
Further details will be provided when the eligibility criteria and application process are announced in 2023. We would ask that you do not contact the Medal Office on this topic in the meantime as we are unable to process advance applications.
We are currently receiving a high volume of enquiries, particularly regarding The Queens Platinum Jubilee Medal; we are working to respond to all enquires and applications as quickly as possible.
Coronation Medal 1953
The MOD Medal Office is unable to accept and assess applications for Her Majesty The Queens Coronation Medal 1953. (Dec 2018)
Clarification of the qualification criteria for the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal (ACSM) 1994 and 2011
A formal review of the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal policy and qualification criteria has been conducted to resolve ambiguity over how time on operations is counted towards the ACSM. More detailed information about the review, guidance on eligibility and how to apply can be found on The Accumulated Campaign Service Medal (ACSM) 1994 and 2011 Policy Review 2020.
Decorations, Gallantry and Distinguished Conduct medals
You cant apply for these awards. You must be recommended to qualify.
You can read recommendations for honours and awards at The National Archives.
The awards below are listed in the official order of precedence, The letters in brackets are put after a persons surname to show their award.
Victoria Cross (VC)
The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the premier Operational Gallantry award given for most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
It may be awarded to all ranks of the services and civilians and can be awarded posthumously. Individuals who perform a further act of such gallantry which would have merited a second award of the VC would be issued with a bar.
The MOD Medal Office does not issue this award.
George Cross (GC)
The George Cross
The George Cross is the premier award given for non-operational gallantry or gallantry not in the presence of an enemy. This is awarded for acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger.
The George Cross is equal in stature in the UK honours system to the Victoria Cross, the highest military gallantry award. This has always been the case since the introduction of the award in 1940.
It may be awarded to all ranks of the services and civilians and can be awarded posthumously.
The MOD Medal Office does not issue this award. Replacement awards are available from the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood.
Orders of the Bath and the British Empire
Read information about the Order of the Bath and the Order of the British Empire.
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
The Distinguished Service Order is an operational gallantry award given for highly successful command and leadership during active operations. Personnel who perform a further act of such leadership which would have merited a second award of the DSO would be issued with a gold bar.
It may be awarded to all ranks of the services. This award is not available posthumously.
The MOD Medal Office does not issue this award. Replacement awards are available from the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood.
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC)
The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross
The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross is an operational gallantry award given to all ranks of the services in recognition of an act (or acts) of conspicuous gallantry during active operations against the enemy. Personnel who perform a further act of such gallantry which would have merited a second award of the CGC would be issued with a silver bar.
This award is available posthumously.
You can replace a Conspicuous Gallantry Cross if you meet the criteria.
Royal Red Cross (Class I) (RRC)
The Royal Red Cross is a Meritorious award given for exceptional devotion and competency in the performance of actual nursing duties. over a continuous and long period. Holders of the first class decoration are known as Members (RRC).
These awards are only available to the nursing services and are not available posthumously.
You can replace a Royal Red Cross (Class I) if you meet the criteria.
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
The Distinguished Service Cross
The Distinguished Service Cross is an operational gallantry award given to all ranks of the services in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy at sea. Personnel who perform a further act of such gallantry which would have merited a second award of the DSC are issued with a silver bar, with rounded ends, ornamented by a crown.
This award is available posthumously.
You can replace a Distinguished Service Cross if you meet the criteria.
Military Cross (MC)
The Military Cross
The Military Cross is an operational gallantry award given to