Naval Awards & Fleet Medal Board

The Vast Empire, like any other military organization, needs to reward members for outstanding performance. Promotion is not always a practical method of doing so, so to that end the Vast Empire Navy has developed a series of medals designed to reward outstanding service, bravery, and exemplary behavior. Please note that the Naval Commander in Chief has the right to bestow any and all awards he feels necessary, as well as to review and revoke awards he feels are unrightfully awarded.

Any Medal Award recommendations must be sent to the appropriate superior officer, Naval Executive Officer, and Naval Commander in Chief. The Form MUST include the ID Line designation of the recommended Member or it will not be included in the Fleet Medal Board, that is maintained by the Naval Executive Officer.

Special thanks goes out to Riqimo Pershaw & Aeos for the creation of Images for Naval Ribbons and Medals.

Will's Medal Suggestion

Merit Awards

Imperial Grand Cross Criteria The Imperial Grand Cross is the highest honor a member can obtain in the Vast Empire Navy. Recipients of the Grand Cross have demonstrated acts of ultimate bravery in the face of the enemy, performed constant service above and beyond the call of duty, and have significantly improved the entire fleet through their direct actions. Examples of such service would be to personally introducing an aspect to the fleet which proves to be instrumental in its growth or function overall. This medal can only be awarded by the Head of the High Council and the Naval Commander in Chief. Description The Imperial Grand Cross hangs around the neck from a tri-colour ribbon of blue, black, and silver. The ribbon is clasped together before it touches the medal with a gold and platinum cluster containing a small ruby in the middle. The medal itself is black and follows the line of the two gold scimitars that cross together at their points, each with a sapphire fragment in the middle of the wide tip of the sword. Going downwards through the crossed tips of the scimitars is dagger with diamond crusted blade and a hilt of tiny emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. The shimmering effect of the gems mixed with the crossed weapons reinforce the great power and dignity commanded by the award. Abbreviation: [IGC], [GC] Imperial Grand Cross Recipients

Knight's Cross Criteria The Knight's Cross is the second greatest honor a member can reasonably hope to achieve. Awarded to officers for constant long term extraordinary service and exceptional loyalty to the fleet, it is not given lightly. Exceptional Command Officers and Ship Captains will most often be the recipients of this medal, but not necessarily. Winners of the Knight's Cross most often are leaders who go beyond the line of duty in helping those in their unit and in the navy as a whole. These officers are the ones who are instrumental in stimulating members to reach new heights in achievement and activity. Each subsequent award upgrades the decorations. This medal can only be awarded by the Head of the High Council and the Naval Commander in Chief. Description The Knight's Cross is a simple but elegant medal made of the Imperial colours blue, silver, and black. The medal itself is round with a thick silver ring and black metal shaped in the image of the Vast Empire emblem, all attached on top of a dark blue background. Fixed on top of the emblem are two curved pieces of silver that intersect in the middle, leaving a small, oval overlap area. The tips of the curves extend to the edge, but not past the edge, of the medal itself. Upgrades to the medal are placed at the top where the ribbon connects to the medal itself. The Oak Cluster attaches right to the top base of the medal, the Silver Swords start on either side and cross behind it, and the Diamond Eyes are located between the hilts of the swords and the Oak Cluster. Decorations: Oak Cluster, Silver Swords, Diamond Eyes Abbreviation: [KC], [KC:OC], [KC:SS], [KC:DE] Knight's Cross Recipients Knight's Cross: Oak Cluster Recipients Knight's Cross: Silver Swords Recipients Knight's Cross: Diamond Eyes Recipients

Imperial Navy Cross Criteria The Imperial Navy Cross dates back to the glorious days of the Emperor, when extraordinary Admirals were awarded by a Grand Admiral or the Emperor himself! This prestigious medal is award to Naval Officers of the highest caliber whom have demonstrated flawless leadership, loyalty, service, and honor to their fleet and their men. This historical medal reflects the pride of the Imperial Navy and those who wear it are the best the empire has to offer. This medal can only be awarded by the Head of the High Council and the Naval Commander in Chief. Description The Imperial Naval Cross is built upon a black ground. There are two gold Star Destroyers with a thin platinum strip along the middle of each, cross in the middle with one pointing up slightly, and one point down slightly. Underneath there is a silver TIE Interceptor facing outwards flanked by two smaller silver TIE Fighters. The border of the medal is gold and studded at the compass points by small rubies. Abbreviation: [NC] Imperial Navy Cross Recipients

Iron Cross Criteria The Iron Cross is awarded to members who have shown a long history of dedicated commitment and loyalty to the Vast Empire Navy while greatly improving the fleet. The acts of service must have been so notable and so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades. This medal can be awarded only by the Naval Commander in Chief or Executive Officer. Usually, those who have been awarded the Iron Cross have served in the navy for a significant period of time, have had very high personal activity, and have inspired those around them to reach new heights. Compared to the upper echelon of medals, this is the intermediate award for this kind of achievement with those who have done even more, for a longer period of time, being eligible for the honour of the Knight's Cross or even the Imperial Grand Cross. Description The Iron Cross is instantly recognizable for its bold, simple design. Following the literal meaning of the name, it is the only medal that is made of iron. The medal is made entirely of cast-iron with a cross in the shape of an X over a round medal in the shape of the Imperial logo. The ends of the cross do not extend pass the edges of the medal and the ends are pointed, resembling blades of a sword. The background of the medal is made of cast-iron but painted imperial blue and the ribbon is silver in colour. The First Class award has a small blue sapphire in the middle of the cross. Abbreviation: Iron Cross First Class [IC1] Iron Cross Second Class [IC2] Iron Cross: Second Class Recipients Iron Cross: First Class Recipients

Navy Defence Medal Criteria Holders Navy Defense Medal are officers that, through their direct action, have improved the fleet and provided ideal leadership to those under their command. Any recipient of this award has proven their dedication and loyalty to the fleet through valorous deeds and command consistently, and by doing so, has strengthened the fleet as a whole. Holders of this medal often have distinguished themselves above and beyond all expectations in external competitions and thus have represented the Vast Empire, and the Navy in particular, heroically. This medal can be awarded for inter-divisional competitions as well. Description The Navy Defence Medal is round with an image of a Star Destroyer in the centre right and a cluster of three fighters, a TIE Fighter, TIE Interceptor, and TIE Bomber, on the left. The fighters are slightly larger, making them appear closer. The background is black and the outside of the medal is lined with small alternating platinum and gold squares. The Star Destroyer is silver while the fighters are silver are blue. The ribbon is imperial blue in colour. Abbreviation: [NDM] Navy Defence Medal Recipients

Distinguished Service Medal Criteria The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to those officers who have shown consistent, exceptional AND innovative service in their assigned function. Recipients are fearless leaders whose invention, excellence, and outstanding contributions have made the Vast Empire great. This medal may be awarded by any Command Officer or Flotilla Commander. Preference is given to members who not only distinguish themselves consistently over the long-term, but also are instrumental in inspiring others to serve with distinction and achieve more than they have before. Description This medal is simple and elegant in design. A gold Vast Empire emblem over a black background with platinum TIE Fighter makes the medal stand out. Abbreviation: [DSM] Distinguished Service Medal Recipients

Legion of Merit Criteria Awarded to any member who has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. This medal can be awarded by all Command Officers and Ship Captains. Description The Legion of Merit has some similarities to the Star of Valor. This medal is a twelve-pointed star with the points shaped like the foils from a TIE Interceptor. This means that there are six pairs of points giving the medal a very distinct look. The points are black with silver trim and gold points. The ribbon is black with a mini image of the star in imperial metallic blue. The middle of the star has a platinum cluster with a tri-cluster of mini gems: sapphire, emerald, and ruby. Abbreviation: [LoM] Legion of Merit Recipients

Artiste Medallion Criteria Awarded for exceptional service to the navy in terms of graphical contributions. Description None Abbreviation: [AM]

Star of Valor Criteria An award made to those who show truly outstanding achievement and extraordinary service. This will typically be an award for to a member for aiding their superior officers in their duties. This medal can be awarded by Wing Commanders and above. Examples of extraordinary achievement include organizing long-term squadron events that improve activity, completing significant work on a website, exemplary participation in a competition, and strong long-term activity, particularly in the face of challenges. Description The Star of Valor is a medium sized medal in the shape of an six-pointed star. The star is black and silver with gold tips and a gold cluster in the middle. The cluster has a small emerald embedded in it. Abbreviation: [SoV] Star of Valor Recipients

Victory Cross Criteria The Victory Cross is awarded for mission creation, fiction, and other contributions which significantly shape the Vast Empire Navy and its activities. Each subsequent award upgrades the trim of the cross, with the highest upgrade being Victory Cross with Ebony Trim. This may be awarded by Squadron Commanders. Description While the official title of this medal is a cross, its design is unlike some of the other such medals available. The Victory Cross features two TIE Interceptors back to back, facing up and out forming a V for victory. The fighters are silver over a black background and the border of the medal is the imperial metallic blue at the first level and upgradeable to silver, gold, and ebony. Trims: Blue, Silver, Gold, Ebony Abbreviation: [VC:B] [VC:S] [VC:G] [VC:E] Victory Cross: Blue Trim Recipients Victory Cross: Silver Trim Recipients Victory Cross: Gold Trim Recipients Victory Cross: Ebony Trim Recipients

Cross of Bravery Criteria The Cross of Bravery is a merit for those pilots who have repeatedly shown extreme dedication and loyalty to a Squadron or Wing over a long period of time and are consistently contributing new ideas for the Squadron or Wing. It may also be awarded for participating in fleet competitions. This medal can be awarded by Squadron Commanders. Description The Cross of Bravery is in the shape of an X with each point being two strands, one of gold and one of silver, wound together. In the middle is a platinum clash with the image of the Vast Empire emblem carved into the front. Can be awarded pips. Each pip is signified by a small picture of the medal on the black ribbon Abbreviation: [CoB] Pips may be represented with colons (:) or periods (.) as follows: [CoB.], [CoB:], [.CoB:], [:CoB:] Cross of Bravery Recipients Cross of Bravery Level 2 Recipients Merit Cross Criteria The basic merit award of the Vast Empire Navy, it can be awarded for any outstanding service. This medal has two classes, with first class being a higher honor than second class, but is not an upgrade to the second class. This medal can be awarded by Flight Leaders. Description The Merit Cross is a small medal. The two wide black pieces of metal have a thin silver lining and a thin gold strip down the middle. The metal is crossed in the shape of an X. The two classes of Merit Cross can be distinguished by the small gold cluster affixed to the middle of the First Class award. The ribbon is imperial blue. Abbreviation: Merit Cross First Class [MC1] Merit Cross Second Class[MC2] Merit Cross: Second Class Recipients Merit Cross: First Recipients Vast Empire Naval Academy Awards Star of the Academy Criteria Award to those members who show exemplary proficiency in making themselves pilots of the Vast Empire Navy. To become eligible for this award, the recruit must complete their Basic Training in under three days. From there, if they manage to pass their Aviator's Exam (AE) with distinction within the first week of being assigned to a squadron as well as shown other attributes that are beyond exemplary, they will be given the 'Star of the Academy' at the earliest convenience. If nothing else, this award serves as a sign to superiors that they have a worthy individual on their hands that is well on his way to the next rank. Description None Abbreviation: [SoA] Noble Service Medal Criteria To those in the Vast Empire Naval Academy Staff, there is little reward; they are asked to do what they do with little thanks. However, for those Staffers who are able to rise above the rest and single-handedly make the entire system more efficient through their activity and actions alone, this award is given, noting superior and noble service to the training process and those members who pass through the academy. Description None Abbreviation: [NSM] Campaign Ribbons Last Man Standing Competition Naval Efficiency Ribbon Criteria Awarded to the Squadrons whom participated in the Last Man Standing Competition, but did not manage top placing. Description None Abbreviation: [NER] Legion of the Tiger Criteria Awarded to the Squadrons whom participated in the Last Man Standing Competition and achieved top placement. Description None Abbreviation: [LoT] Eye of the Tiger Criteria Awarded to the top two pilots in the Last Man Standing Competion, the normal variation to the second place pilot, and the Emerald Claw variation to the first place pilot. Description None Abbreviation: [EoT], [EoT:EC] Wing Competitions Shadow of Lehon Criteria Awarded to pilots who served in the Battle of Lehon Description Abbreviation: [SoL] Commendations Recruitment Commendation Criteria Award to members who recruit new pilots into the Vast Empire Fleet. To show gratitude to those who introduce new members, the Naval Commander in Chief wishes to reward those who look to expand the fleet. Description None Abbreviation: Bronze [BRC] 1 member recruited Silver [SRC] 5 members recruited Gold [GRC] 10 members recruited Platinum [PRC] 25 members recruited Emerald [ERC] 50 members recruited Diamond [DRC] 100+ members recruited Writing Commendation Criteria Award to members in recognition of their career achievement in writing. While the Victory Cross is rewarded for excellent activity or high quality writing over a short-term period, this award recognizes what a pilot has done throughout their career and its increasing levels serve as a reminder to the contribution that each person's writing has to overall navy activity. This commendation may be awarded by the Naval Commander in Chief or another officer. Description None Abbreviation: Bronze [BWC] 25 career posts Silver [SWC] 50 career posts Gold [GWC] 100 career posts Platinum [PWC] 200 career posts Emerald [EWC] 300 career posts Ruby [RWC] 400 career posts Diamond [DWC] 500 career posts Crusader's Laurel Criteria Bequeathed to pilots who are veterans in battle and have engaged in and won numerous skirmishes and engagements (official multiplayer games). Description None Abbreviation: Crusader's Laurel First Level: [CL-1] - 10 wins Crusader's Laurel Second Level: [CL-2] - 25 wins Crusader's Laurel Third Level: [CL-3] - 50 wins Crusader's Laurel Fourth Level: [CL-4] - 100 wins Crusader's Laurel Fifth Level: [CL-5] - 150 wins Crusader's Laurel Sixth Level: [CL-6] - 200 wins Crusader's Laurel Seventh Level: [CL-7] - 250 wins Crusader's Laurel Eighth Level: [CL-8] - 300 wins Crusader's Laurel Ninth Level: [CL-9] - 350 wins Good Conduct Medal Criteria The Good Conduct Medal is awarded to any member who either does not partake in a on-line argument/fight (including extreme violations of IRC code of conduct and bylaws) while at the same time reporting the problem to the appropriate personal or has shown exceptional kindness and empathy to members over a long period of time. This medal may only be awarded by the Naval Commander in Chief or a High Council Officer. Description None Abbreviation: [GCM] Internal/External Security Award Criteria An Officer presenting a breach in internal or external security (code of conduct included) to the Naval Commander in Chief may be the recipient of this honorable award. Description None Abbreviation: [ISA], [ESA] Exhausted Efforts Award Criteria Unknown Description None Abbreviation: [EEA] Letter of Commendation Criteria The Letter of Commendation is given to all officers that submit an article for the newsletter. This can only be given once. Description None Abbreviation: [LoC] Service Ribbons Naval Service Ribbon Criteria This ribbon is awarded to members whom provide dedicated service to the navy, awarded first at 6 months, one year, two years, and so forth from the member's join date. Each higher tier ribbon replaces the former. Description None Abbreviation: Half Year Service Ribbon: [NS-H] One Year Service Ribbon: [NS-1] Two Year Service Ribbon: [NS-2] Three Year Service Ribbon: [NS-3] Four Year Service Ribbon: [NS-4] Five Year Service Ribbon: [NS-5] Six Year Service Ribbon: [NS-6] Seven Year Service Ribbon: [NS-7] Eight Year Service Ribbon: [NS-8] Unit Citations Victory Banner Criteria This Citation is awarded by the Naval Commander in Chief to the Ship and its Squadrons that have shown themselves to be superior to all others in the Fleet. The Naval Commander in Chief will allow one Ship within the Fleet the honor of carrying his personal Banner for the next year. The award of the Naval Commander in Chief's Banner entails a time-honored Imperial Naval ceremony and is considered a great honor by the Ship that earns it. This "Citation" will be made only by the Naval Commander in Chief on an annual basis. Description None Abbreviation: [VB] Captain's Own Criteria This Citation is given by a Captain of a Ship to a Squadron that has shown itself worthy of such an honor. This award can be given as often as monthly and the squadron that receives it earns the right to call itself "The Captain's Own". Description None Abbreviation: [CO] Imperial Guardian Criteria This highly honorable award is given to a single pilot every month for valorous deeds, dedicated services, and excessive activity by the Naval Commander in Chief. The Pilot wears his honor for a month, and then passes on the medal to the next Guardian, however, the pilot will keep the ribbon as a reminder of his greatness. Description None Abbreviation: [IG] High Council Awards Medal of Honor Criteria The Medal of Honor is awarded to a person who distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in action against an enemy of the Empire; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the Empire is not a belligerent party. The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of the service will be exacted and each recommendation for the award of this decoration will be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit. The Head of High Council may only bestow this medal/award. Description None Abbreviation: [MoH] Medal of Honor Recipients Star of the Empire Criteria The Head of High Council or the Operations Officer may only bestow this medal/award. Description None Abbreviation: [SotE] Eagle's Claw Medallion Criteria # The Head of High Council or the Operations Officer may only bestow this medal/award. Description None Abbreviation: [ECM] Spirit of Daala Criteria This medal/award may only be bestowed by the Head of High Council or the Vast Empire Ambassador onto members that have led to an alliance or has introduced a new clan or other such group into the Vast Empire. Description None Abbreviation: [SoD] Meritorious Service Medal Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to those members of the Empire who have distinguished themselves by meritorious service or achievement while assigned to a joint activity. A member of the High Council may only bestow this medal/award. Description None Abbreviation: [MSM] Valorous Unit Award Criteria The Valorous Unit Award is to be awarded to units of the Empire for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the Empire is not a belligerent part for actions. The unit must have performed with marked distinction under difficult and hazardous conditions in accomplishing its mission so as to set it apart from the other units participating in the same conflict. The degree of heroism required is the same as that which would warrant award of the Medal of Honor to an individual. Extended periods of combat duty or participation in a large number of operational missions, either ground or air, is not sufficient. Units that have participated in single or successive actions covering relatively brief time spans will earn this award. It is not reasonable to presume that entire units can sustain Medal of Honor performance for extended time periods under the most unusual circumstances. Only on rare occasions will a unit larger than a battalion qualify for this award. A member of the High Council may only bestow this medal/award. Description None Abbreviation: [VUA] Imperial Expeditionary Medal Criteria The Imperial Expeditionary Medal may be awarded to members of the Empire who have participated in a campaign in which hostile action by foreign armed forces was imminent even though it does not materialize. A member of the High Council may only bestow this medal/award. Description None Abbreviation: [IEM] Good Conduct Award Criteria This is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Imperial service. It is awarded on a selective basis to each soldier who distinguishes himself from among his/her fellow soldiers by their exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active military service. A member of the High Council may only bestow this medal/award. Description None Abbreviation: [GCA] Special Awards Outer Rim War 3 Legion of Combat Criteria The Legion of Combat is an award created to recognize participation in the Outer Rim War 3. This medal recognized the number of wins achieved by the participant. Description None Abbreviation: Bronze Star (LoC-BS): For winning 25 or more Silver Scimitar (LoC-SS): For winning 50 or more Gold Wings (LoC-GW): For winning 75 or more Ruby Scepter (LoC-RS): For winning 100 or more Emerald Blade (LoC-EB): For winning 125 or more Diamond Dagger (LoC-DD): For winning 150 or more Platinum Lightsaber (LoC-PL): For winning 200 or more Combat Medallion Criteria The Combat Medallion was a medal created to recognize achievements in the Outer Rim War 3 external Competition. This award recognized the number of games each participant played. Description None Abbreviation: Bronze Star (CM-BS): For playing 25 or more Silver Scimitar (CM-SS): For playing 50 or more Gold Wings (CM-GW): For playing 75 or more Ruby Scepter (CM-RS): For playing 100 or more Emerald Blade (CM-EB): For playing 125 or more Diamond Dagger (CM-DD): For playing 150 or more Platinum Lightsaber (CM-PL): For playing 200 or more Army Awards Obtainable by Naval Members Campaign Ribbons Chapter 8.5, Battle of Hast Shipyards Banner of Hast Criteria Awarded to all whom participated in Chapter 8.5 Description None Abbreviation: [BoH] Shield of Hast Criteria Awarded to those whom went above the call of duty within Chapter 8.5. This replaces the Banner of Hast. Description None Abbreviation: [SoH]