Gallantry Awards

[riksavage]

The UK has announced the latest gallantry awards for active service across the globe, including a VC and George Cross. Also for the first time an MC has been won by a young 19-year old women serving in the Medical Corps. Link below.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/D...ationalHonoursAndAwardsList15December2006.htm

One of the awardees is a Major William David CHESAREK United States Marine Corps, who received The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). One can only surmise that he was either on an exchange program with the UK military, or through his actions, saved the life of UK personnel. Does anyone know under what circumstances a serving soldier/aviator/sailor is eligible to receive a gallantry medal from another nation?

 

[Todjaeger]

The UK has announced the latest gallantry awards for active service across the globe, including a VC and George Cross. Also for the first time an MC has been won by a young 19-year old women serving in the Medical Corps. Link below.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/D...ationalHonoursAndAwardsList15December2006.htm

One of the awardees is a Major William David CHESAREK United States Marine Corps, who received The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). One can only surmise that he was either on an exchange program with the UK military, or through his actions, saved the life of UK personnel. Does anyone know under what circumstances a serving soldier/aviator/sailor is eligible to receive a gallantry medal from another nation?

With regards to a military/naval offier of one country receiving an award from another country, it depends on the two nations. In the case of the DFC, Congress would need to authorize the award before the USMC officer could accept & wear the award. Given that the situation isn't all that unusual (US officers have been given foreign awards for years) Congress will most likely allow the award, in which case I believe (if any def pro knows better please correct me) that the foreign decorations are worn below any US decoration.

I'm not quite sure what the arrangement is with Commonwealth nations, particularly since many of them have their own systems of honours, in addition to or in place of the Imperial system. The question had come up earlier when an ADF helicopter pilot was awarded the DFC while attached to a British unit. The DFC which is an Imperial award but is listed on the schedule for the Australian Honours system, and there was some question as to the how/why of the award. Home this helps and doesn't muddle the issue.

-Cheers