Victoria Cross for Australia
The Victoria Cross for Australia is the highest award in the Australian honours system, superseding the British Victoria Cross for issue to Australians. The Victoria Cross for Australia is the "decoration for according recognition to persons who in the presence of the enemy, perform acts of the most conspicuous gallantry, or daring or pre-eminent acts of valour or self-sacrifice or display extreme devotion to duty."
Trooper Donaldson's medals on display at the Australian War Memorial. His Victoria Cross for Australia is at left.
The Australian War Memorial which holds 66 Victoria Crosses
Australian honours and awards system
The Australian honours and awards system refers to all orders, decorations, and medals, as instituted by letters patent from the Monarch of Australia and countersigned by the Australian prime minister at the time, that have been progressively introduced since 14 February 1975. The Australian honours and awards system excludes all state and local government, and private, issued awards and medals.
Image: Order of Merit Dorothy Hodgkin (cropped)
Image: Baronet UK cropped
Image: St Michaeland St George Insignia
Image: Ster Orde van het Britse Rijk