The Victoria Cross (VC)
Since its inception in 1856, the Victoria Cross, or as it is often more simply known, the VC, is Great Britain's highest military award for valour. The original warrant stated that the recipient must have shown 'most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.' This holds as true today as it did in 1856. Designed deliberately as a simple Cross, it may be awarded to a person of any military rank in any Service regardless of birth or class.
In winning the award it's recipients achieve almost mythical status, revered as heroes the world over.
Awarded 1358 times since 1856, incredibly three men have won a Bar to the VC ( a small metal Bar added to the medal's ribbon to signify a second award of the VC, rather than a second medal being given).