"The Victoria Cross is an English naval and military decoration instituted by royal warrant, Jan. 29, 1856, and bestowed for 'conspicuous bravery or devotion' to the country in the presence of the enemy. It is the most coveted of all British decorations, and is open to all officers and men of the regular, auxiliary, and reserve forces."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

Victoria Cross

"The Victoria Cross is an English naval and military decoration instituted by royal warrant, Jan. 29,…

"Established in 1856 for acts of bravery in battle. It is a bronze Maltese cross with the royal crest (lion and crown) in the center and below it a scroll inscribed 'For Valour.'"—Webster, 1920

The Victoria Cross

"Established in 1856 for acts of bravery in battle. It is a bronze Maltese cross with the royal crest…