A gallantry award is a prestigious recognition given to individuals who have displayed exceptional bravery and sacrifice in the face of danger. These awards are typically presented by governments or military organizations to honor the acts of courage and heroism demonstrated by the recipients. Gallantry awards serve as a symbol of honor and gratitude for the selfless actions of the awardees.
In India, the Government of India has instituted several gallantry awards to honor the acts of bravery and sacrifice of the officers and personnel of the Armed Forces. The first three gallantry awards, namely Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra, were instituted on January 26, 1950, with effect from August 15, 1947, to commemorate the post-independence period. These awards were later renamed as Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra, respectively, in January 1967. The order of precedence for these awards is as follows: Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra.
In the United States, the Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that can be awarded by the government, presented by the President in the name of Congress, and conferred only upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. The Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star are the second and third-highest military combat decorations, respectively, that can be awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for acts of gallantry.
In the United Kingdom, the Queens Gallantry Medal, now known as the King's Gallantry Medal, was instituted on June 20, 1974, to replace the Order of the British Empire for Gallantry and the British Empire Medal for Gallantry. This award is given for exemplary acts of bravery by civilians and members of the Armed Forces.
