It was awarded for acts of the highest gallantry and brave conduct of an outstanding order in a non-combatant capacity.

[1] The first was made posthumously in 1977 to Austrian-born engineer Rudi Kogler, from Bulawayo, for his actions defending the Regina Mundi Mission in Matabeleland against an insurgent attack.

Two years later, teenager Jamie Scott from Salisbury was awarded the medal for his valour in defending himself and a friend against an insurgent attack.

Research carried out by the Zimbabwe Medal Society in 2003-5 indicates that there were probably at least two other awards of the Conspicuous Gallantry Decoration made to civilians, but for security reasons never published in the Rhodesian Government Gazette.

[2] The Conspicuous Gallantry Decoration was superseded in October 1980 by the Gold Cross of Zimbabwe, which is awarded for conspicuous bravery in perilous conditions, but which is open for award to civilians as well as military personnel.