Medal of Military Valor

It is awarded to military personnel, units above the level of company, and civilians for exceptional valor in the face of the enemy.

Awards of this medal in silver included to 450 officers and men of the allied British Royal Navy and Army.

[1] During the First World War a total of 368 Gold, 38,614 Silver and 60,244 Bronze medals were awarded for individual acts of heroism.

Article 1 states: The decoration for military valor was established to celebrate acts of military heroism, mark the recipients as worthy of public honor, and create a spirit of emulation in belonging to the military forces.While Article 3 provides that: Decorations for Valor are awarded to those who commit an act of bravery above the requirements of duty and honor, showing remarkable courage and initiative, at serious and manifest personal risk in war.

The award of such decorations can be made, however, only when the act is such that it can in every respect be an example worthy of emulation.The full text of Royal Decree was published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale 12 November 1932, #261.