The George Medal (GM), instituted on 24 September 1940 by King George VI, is a decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, awarded for gallantry, typically to civilians.
Criteria: The medal is granted in recognition of “acts of great bravery”. The original warrant for the George Medal did not explicitly permit it to be awarded posthumously. The position was clarified in December 1977. The medal may be awarded to military personnel for gallant conduct.
Description: The GM is a circular silver medal 36 mm (1.4 in) in diameter, with the ribbon suspended from a ring. The obverse depicts the crowned effigy of the reigning monarch. To date, there have been four types:
George VI, 1940 to 1948 –
George VI, 1948 to 1952 –
Elizabeth II, 1952 to late 1950
Elizabeth II, late 1950s to date
The reverse shows Saint George on horseback slaying the dragon on the coast of England, with the legend THE GEORGE MEDAL around the top edge of the medal. The ribbon is 31.7 mm (1.25 in) wide, crimson, with five narrow blue stripes. The blue stripe colour being ‘borrowed’ from the George Cross ribbon.
The George Medal, instituted at the same time as the George Cross.
George Cross (GC) to recognize civilian gallantry in the face of enemy action, and brave deeds more generally.
The George Medal (GM), The medal is primarily a civilian award, but it may be awarded to military personnel for gallant conduct that is not in the face of the enemy.
Historical Notes: Canadians have received 77 GMs (with one cancelled), including four first bars. Names are engraved in Roman capital letters. Service persons normally have their first name and surname in full including rank and regiment or corps, while civilians have only the surname and initials.