The Bravery Medal (BM) is a bravery decoration awarded to Australians.[1] It is awarded for acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.[1] The BM was created in February 1975.[1] The decorations recognise acts of bravery by members of the community. They selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others. It is ranked third of the Australian bravery decorations in the Australian Honours System. Recipients of the Bravery Medal are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "BM".[1]
| Bravery Medal | |
|---|---|
 Obverse of medal | |
| Type | Medal |
| Awarded for | Acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances[1] |
| Presented by | Australia |
| Eligibility | Australian citizen |
| Post-nominals | BM |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Established | 14 February 1975 |
| First awarded | 1976 |
| Last awarded | 2024 Special Honours |
| Total | 1,521[2] |
| Total recipients | 1,519 |
 Ribbon of the medal | |
| Order of Wear | |
| Next (higher) | Medal for Gallantry (MG) |
| Next (lower) | Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) |
| Related | Cross of Valour Star of Courage Commendation for Brave Conduct Group Bravery Citation |
Design
editMedal
editThe Bravery Medal is a circular bronze medal ensigned with the Crown of Saint Edward. It is surmounted with the shield and crest of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. The Federation Star is above the shield, which is contained in a circular zig-zag border.[1]
Bar and ribbon
editThe medal is suspended from a ribbon by a bar inscribed "For Bravery".[1] The ribbon is 32 mm wide and has 15 alternating stripes of blood-red and magenta representing the colours of venous and arterial blood.[1]
Recipients
editAs of November 2016, the Australian Government "It's an Honour" database contains 1,240 entries of people who have been awarded the medal.[3]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h "It's an Honour - Bravery Medal". Archived from the original on 26 November 2014. Retrieved 28 January 2008.
- ^ Medal Yearbook 2023. Honiton, Devon: Token. 2022. p. 462. ISBN 978-1-908828-63-7.
- ^ Bravery Medal search Archived 6 May 2017 at the Wayback Machine, It's an Honour, 26 Nov 2016