The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) medal takes the place of the DSO medal that was awarded for acts of gallantry to those in the military. Since 1993, instead of receiving of a distinguished service order for gallantry acts, those who serve the country now receive the CGC.
The reason why the CGC was designed was to offer a medal to those who serve the country who display gallantry regardless of their rank as it was discovered that junior officers were only qualified to receive one level of medal, the VC which was not thought to be sufficient. Now, junior officers of all three branches of the service are able to receive the CGC if acts of gallantry are observed.
The first person to receive the CGC was Corporal Wayne Mills of the Duke of Wellington’s regiment for showing a display of gallantry in Bosnia worth noting while spending time aiding the UN Peacekeeping Force. He received the medal in 1995 for his acts.
The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross is a cross that is about 36mm wide that is placed on a metal wreath of laurel. The royal crown is emblazoned in the centre of the circular panel near the cross intersection and it is hung from a white ribbon that has blue edges with a red stripe running down the middle.
