Medals
As might be imagined, there are a great many honors and medals of merit available to the Imperial Guardsman throughout the galaxy. Many are specific to particular worlds or campaigns, while others are Empire-wide. In this section we will confine ourselves to the medals and honors of valor won by the Lyubov 18th (the most recent of which were honorably won in the battles fought on the doomed world of Medusa V).
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| Order of Macharius Awarded to Imperial Guard officers for tactical brilliance and unusual initiative, It cannot be won by mere valor. It recognizes the highest levels of military leadership ability. Mere valor cannot win the Order of Macharius, it can only be won by spectacular success won by dint of strategic excellence in the face of an armed enemy.
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Honorifica Imperialis The second highest award given to members of the Imperial military, the Honorifica Imperialis denotes an individual who has distinguished himself above and beyond the call of duty and who represents the finest ideals humanity can aspire to. |
Merit of
the High Lords To be awarded a Merit of the High Lords is a rare honor indeed, bestowed upon the greatest of commanders – those whose valor is such that his name has been mentioned in the Chamber of the High Lords. It is nicknamed the ‘double-edged sword’, as it inevitably means the individual who receives it will be under particular scrutiny from his superiors from that point onwards. He can expect to be assigned to the most horrific battlefronts by jealous superiors in order to pass on his wisdom and courage first hand. |
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Steel Aquila A golden half-circle bearing a simple steel Imperial Eagle is one of the most prestigious medals awarded to combat personnel. Often referred to as the ‘lunatic’s eagle’, the Steel Aquila is awarded to soldiers who, in the face of great personal danger, have triumphed over the enemy and returned in a condition fit for further active duty. This award is never issued without good cause, and only the most spectacularly violent and impressive feats of personal valor will earn it. |
The Iron Aquila A simple iron Imperial Eagle is one of the most prized medals awarded to combat personnel. Often referred to as the "boring hero's award," the Iron Aquila is awarded to warriors who, in the face of the enemy, have triumphed and returned in a condition fit for further active duty by acts of valor that do not warrant the Iron Aquila. This award is never issued without good cause, and only the impressive feats of personal valor will earn it. |
Honorifica Mundanus The highest award given to support personnel (such as tech adepts or members of the Collegia Psykologica), the Honorifica Mundanus denotes an individual who has distinguished himself above and beyond the call of duty and who represents the finest ideals humanity can aspire to.
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| Administratum Medal The Imperial Administratum awards this medal to units and soldiers who have fought bravely in the defense of personnel and property belonging to this esteemed and highly necessary, but vulnerable organization.
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The Imperial Laureate An award born of the Age of Apostasy, this Laureate indicates a warrior who has effectively "won his laurels." Acts of valor leading to great victory are recognized with the Imperial Laureate. Only warriors who have won a laurel may bear the unit/regiment colors. |
Awards for Achievement
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Knight's Cross A medal and honorific title awarded to officers of the rank of Colonel and above who led their regiments in 30 or more consecutive days of active combat. Colonels are awarded the Knight's Cross, Brigadiers are awarded the Knight Companion's Cross, Major Generals are awarded the Knight Commander's Cross, Lieutenant Generals are awarded the Knight Grand Commander's Cross, Generals are awarded the Knight Master's Cross, Field Marshals or Warmasters are awarded the Knight Grand Master's Cross. Each award carries an equivalent knighthood. |
The Merit of Terra |
The
Valoris Imperator Taking the form of a soaring two-headed eagle, the Valoris Imperator is awarded only to soldiers who have served for 20 years or more. It is technically awarded in recognition of long service, but in fact it is only awarded posthumously to veterans who have died in particularly unpleasant circumstances. |
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| The Medallion Crimson Those men who survive grievous, life-threatening injury without losing faith or honor and return to their units are often awarded the Medallion Crimson. Bearers of the Medallion Crimson are rightly feared as mighty warriors. |
The Order of the Storm A campaign badge awarded to soldiers who have been wounded in battle and have returned to their units. The Order of the Storm depicts a pair of crossed lightning bolts over an Imperial Eagle. |
The Ribbon Intrinsic Taking the form of an etched brass strip with a tripartite ribbon hanging beneath, the Ribbon Intrinsic is awarded to units rather than individuals. It is given only to squads that have proven to be the linchpin for a victorious battlefront, where it the line fast and turned a defeat into a victory by determination alone. |
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| The Golden Skull This medal is awarded posthumously to those who fall in actions in which their units have suffered at least 66% casualties. It is considered in every way superior to the Triple Skull, which is issued to those who survive such engagements |
The
Triple Skull This medal is awarded to the survivors of actions in which their units have suffered at least 66% casualties. It is considered in every way inferior to the Golden Skull, which is issued posthumously to those who fall in such engagements, although doubtless the recipients view it a little more favorably. |
The Order of the Eagle's Claw Awarded to soldiers who have made landfall in the most perilous of landing zones and triumphed. Only those who have proven victorious against overwhelming odds in a fashion that has been witnessed by their superiors or Imperial Navy observers can earn this award. Bearers of the Order of the Eagle’s Claw will receive increased respect from Imperial Navy personnel, regardless of the soldier’s service arm. It is rare for soldiers outside of Drop Troop regiments to receive this award, but it has occasionally been issued to Imperial units that have participated in mass orbital deployments (under fire). |
Campaign Awards
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Medusa Star The Medusa Star was the Imperial Guard’s general service medal, which denoted active military service during the Medusa V campaign. It was awarded to all ranks, though officers received a gold version. This is the most basic award a Guardsman could be awarded in this campaign and has little intrinsic value except to those soldiers newly transferred to the regiment. |
Armageddon Cross The Armageddon Cross was the Imperial Guard’s general service medal, which denoted active military service during the 3rd Armageddon campaign. It was awarded to all ranks, though officers received a gold version. This is the most basic award a Guardsman could be awarded in this campaign and has little intrinsic value except to those soldiers newly transferred to the regiment. |
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