Victoria Cross
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 FOR VA LOUR VICTORIA CROSS all officers and men of the regular, auxiliary, and reserve forces. It consists of a bronze Maltese cross with the royal crest in the center, and underneath an escrol bearing the inscription, "For Valour." It is worn attached to the breast by a blue ribbon in the case of the navy, and a red in the case of the army. For every additional act of bravery an additional clasp may be added. The cross carries with it a special pension of $50 a year, and each VICTORIA REGIA additional clasp an additional pension of $25 a year.