The George Medal is the second highest civilian decoration that one can receive next to the George Cross and was created to be distributed on a wider basis to those who showed extreme acts of bravery, courage, or gallantry in the face of danger that did not involve a direct enemy in times of war.
The George Medal can also be received by soldiers who have displayed brave acts outside of a military setting or bravery that does not fall into any other category of military awards but it is not often given to military personal.
The Medal was created alongside the George Cross on September 24th, 2004 by King George the VI and originally was not given to those who had passed on but after an amendment in 1977 a small amount of medals have been awarded posthumously.
The medal is a sliver disc that is about 36mm in diameter and has the monarch’s crown as well as the words GM emblazoned across it which can be suited with a bar worn on the ribbon if received.
Since its creation in 1940 about 2,000 people have received the George Medal for their acts of bravery including David Purley, Andrew Clifford Parker, and Mike Hailwood.
