Civil decoration - Definition and Overview

A civil decoration is a decoration awarded to civilians for distinguished service. Military personnel might also be eligible for services of a non-military nature. Purely civilian decorations are relatively few; general purpose orders with a civilian division are more common.

There are several forms of civil decorations:

• Orders of chivalry, usually in several classes, for distinguished services to the government, the community, the society or humanity. Two examples would be the British Order of St. Michael and St. George and the US Presidential Medal of Freedom;

• Orders of merit, often in a single class, for distinguished services to the arts, literature or science. Two examples would be the British Order of Merit and Order of the Companions of Honour;

• Decorations of merit for distinguished services in agriculture or industry. This form of decoration existed mainly in Communist states, an example being the Hero of Socialist Labor (USSR);

• Bravery awards for civilians (including police and firefighting personnel), in the form of a cross, star or medal on a ribbon. An example would be the British George Cross;

• Awards for distinguished service in the police, firefighting and other services, usually as a medal on a ribbon;

• Awards for long service in the police, firefighting and other services, usually as a medal on a ribbon.

On everyday occasions, only miniature insignia, often in the form of a circular rosette, are normally worn.

See also

• British and Commonwealth orders and decorations
• Military decoration
• State decoration
• Order