Definition

Noun: A British military decoration awarded for exceptional bravery, courage, or valour in the face of the enemy. It is the highest award for gallantry in the British honours system.

Usage

The Victoria Cross is awarded to members of the British armed forces and, historically, to personnel from Commonwealth countries. It is presented for an act of extreme bravery performed under direct enemy fire.

Examples

• The soldier was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the battle.
• Her great-grandfather received the Victoria Cross for his valour in the First World War.
• Only a small number of Victoria Crosses have been awarded since its creation.

Advanced Usage

• "To be awarded the Victoria Cross": To receive this decoration as formal recognition for an act of supreme bravery.
• "Victoria Cross recipient": A person who has been awarded the Victoria Cross.

Variants and Related Words

• VC (n.): The common abbreviation for the Victoria Cross.
• George Cross (n.): A separate British award for acts of the greatest heroism or courage in circumstances of extreme danger, typically not in the face of the enemy.

Synonyms

• Medal of Honour (specifically the U.S. equivalent, being the highest award for valour).
• Medal for valour.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Worthy of the Victoria Cross": Used figuratively to describe an act of extraordinary courage or self-sacrifice, though not in a military context.
  • The firefighter's rescue attempt was worthy of the Victoria Cross.

Noun

1. a British military decoration for gallantry