It was the equivalent of the Victoria Cross, which it replaced, and was formerly conferred on Rhodesian soldiers prior to 1965.

The medal was a 9 ct gold cross with an enamelled roundel in the centre bearing a lion's head, hung from a V-shaped suspender from a scarlet ribbon woven with a central green stripe edged in white, with a gold stripe between the red and white.

[1]: 6  The first recipient was Acting Captain Chris F. Schulenberg GCV SCR of the Selous Scouts.

Following the country's recognised independence as Zimbabwe in 1980, the Grand Cross of Valour was awarded to Major Grahame Wilson GCV SCR BCR, second-in-command of the Rhodesian SAS, and Rhodesia's most highly decorated soldier.

The Grand Cross of Valour was superseded in October 1980[3] by the Gold Cross of Zimbabwe, which is presented for conspicuous bravery in perilous conditions, but which can be awarded to civilians as well as military personnel.