South Africa: Gold Star for Bravery

[Megan]

Ster vir Dapperheid

In an unprecedented move as part of the national reconciliation, former combatants from the Azanian People's Liberation Army and Umkhonto Wesizwe were not only permitted to enlist in the South African military but acts of bravery and service against the pre-1994 South African government were recognised by awards that could be worn on South African uniforms. Both organisations had parallel but different awards. This, the Gold Star for Bravery, was the highest gallantry award for members of the Azanian People's Liberation Army, being awarded for exceptional deeds of bravery against an armed enemy, while in great danger of life.

The decoration consists of a ten-pointed gold star. The obverse has a white central roundel bearing a gold lion; the reverse is plain with the state arms in relief. The ribbon is red with a wide white central stripe.

The Gold Star for Bravery was instituted in 1996, awarded for acts of bravery performed between 1961 and 1994, and discontinued on 27 July 2003.

(Sorry, not the best of images... if anyone has a better?)