Victoria Cross - The Highest British Military Decoration for Valour #3411938 (License: Personal Use)

This black-and-white line illustration depicts the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system, instituted in 1856 by Queen Victoria. The medal is a bronze Maltese cross with a lion guardant standing on a royal crown, suspended from a ribbon bar adorned with laurel leaves; the words “FOR VALOUR” encircle the central crown. It is awarded for conspicuous bravery “in the presence of the enemy” and remains unchanged in design since inception.

Used on military history websites, museum digital archives, educational resources, and official government pages about honours and awards. Matches user intent for researching British military decorations, historical medals, or valor recognition.