Honoris Crux Gold
Honoris Crux Gold | |
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Type | Military decoration for bravery |
Awarded for | Outstanding bravery in extreme danger |
Country | ![]() |
Presented by | the State President |
Eligibility | All Ranks |
Post-nominals | HCG |
Campaign(s) | 1966-1989 Border War |
Status | Discontinued in 1992 |
Established | 1975 |
First awarded | 1975 |
Last awarded | 1991 |
Total | 5 and 1 Bar |
![]() Ribbon bar | |
SADF pre-1994 & SANDF post-2002 orders of wear | |
Next (higher) | SADF precedence: SANDF precedence:
|
Next (lower) | SADF succession: SANDF succession: |
The Honoris Crux Gold (Gold Cross of Honour), post-nominal letters HCG, is a South African military decoration for bravery which was instituted in 1975. It was awarded to members of the South African Defence Force for outstanding acts of bravery while in extreme danger. It was the second most senior in a set of four classes of Honoris Crux decorations which replaced the discontinued Honoris Crux of 1952.[1]
The South African military
The Union Defence Forces (UDF) were established in 1912 and renamed the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1958. On 27 April 1994 it was integrated with six other independent forces into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).[2]
Institution
The Honoris Crux Gold (Gold Cross of Honour), post-nominal letters HCG, was instituted by the State President on 1 July 1975.[2]
Award criteria
The decoration could be awarded to members of the South African Defence Force for outstanding acts of bravery while in extreme danger. A Bar could be awarded for a further similar deed of bravery. It was the second most senior of a set of four classes of Honoris Crux decorations, the Honoris Crux Diamond, Honoris Crux Gold, Honoris Crux Silver and Honoris Crux, which together replaced the discontinued Honoris Crux of 1952.[3]
Order of wear
The position of the Honoris Crux Gold in the official order of precedence was revised four times after 1975 to accommodate the inclusion or institution of new decorations and medals, first with the discontinuation of the Honoris Crux Diamond (HCD) on 3 September 1993, then upon the integration into the South African National Defence Force on 27 April 1994, again in April 1996 when decorations and medals were belatedly instituted for the two former non-statutory forces, the Azanian People's Liberation Army and Umkhonto we Sizwe, and finally with the institution of a new set of awards on 27 April 2003.[4][5]
- South African Defence Force until 3 September 1993
- Official SADF order of precedence:
- Preceded by the Honoris Crux Diamond (HCD).
- Succeeded by the Star of South Africa, Gold (SSA).[4]
- Official national order of precedence:
- Preceded by the Honoris Crux Diamond (HCD).
- Succeeded by the Woltemade Decoration for Bravery, Gold.[4]
- South African Defence Force until 26 April 1994
- Official SADF order of precedence, after the Honoris Crux Diamond (HCD) had been officially discontinued:
- Preceded by the Castle of Good Hope Decoration (CGH).
- Succeeded by the Star of South Africa, Gold (SSA).[4]
- Official national order of precedence:
- Preceded by the Castle of Good Hope Decoration (CGH).
- Succeeded by the Woltemade Decoration for Bravery, Gold.[4]
- South African National Defence Force from 27 April 1994
- Official SANDF order of precedence, after the Castle of Good Hope Decoration (CGH) had been officially discontinued:
- Preceded by the Victoria Cross (VC) of the United Kingdom.[6]
- Succeeded by the Star of South Africa, Gold (SSA) of the Republic of South Africa.[5]
- Official national order of precedence:
- Preceded by the Victoria Cross (VC) of the United Kingdom.[6]
- Succeeded by the Woltemade Decoration for Bravery, Gold of the Republic of South Africa.[5]
- South African National Defence Force from April 1996
- Official SANDF order of precedence:
- Preceded by the Victoria Cross (VC) of the United Kingdom.[6]
- Succeeded by the Gold Star for Bravery (GSB) of the Azanian People's Liberation Army.[5]
- Official national order of precedence:
- Preceded by the Victoria Cross (VC) of the United Kingdom.[6]
- Succeeded by the Woltemade Decoration for Bravery, Gold of the Republic of South Africa.[5]
- South African National Defence Force from 27 April 2003
- Official SANDF order of precedence:
- Preceded by the Victoria Cross (VC) of the United Kingdom.[6]
- Succeeded by the Gold Star for Bravery (GSB) of the Azanian People's Liberation Army.[5]
- Official national order of precedence:
- Preceded by the Order of Mapungubwe, Platinum (OMP) of the Republic of South Africa.
- Succeeded by the Woltemade Decoration for Bravery, Gold of the Republic of South Africa.[5]
Description
- Obverse
The Honoris Crux Gold is a silver-gilt Maltese cross which fits in a circle 45 millimetres in diameter, with two swords in saltire surmounted by a circular protea wreath, the arms of the cross in green enamel, with a roundel in the centre tierced horizontally in the orange, white and blue bands of the national flag, framed in a double silver circle containing 24 stones.[7] Apart from being silver-gilt instead of silver and having a more ornate ribbon suspender, it is identical to the Honoris Crux Silver in all respects.[7]
- Reverse
The reverse has the pre-1994 South African Coat of Arms, with the decoration number underneath.[7]
- Bar
The bar is of silver-gilt with a miniature replica of the Maltese cross embossed in the centre. Only one bar was ever made, after the Bar to the HCG was awarded to Captain Arthur Walker HCG. In lieu of the Bar, he was initially presented with a Clasp for 40 years of service to the Permanent Force Good Service Medal, also in silver-gilt, until one was eventually manufactured especially for him in 1991.
- Ribbon
The ribbon is 32 millimetres wide and orange, with a single 1 millimetre wide white band in the centre.[7]
Discontinuation
Conferment of the decoration was discontinued in 1992.[5]: 3
Recipients
Since inclusion in the table itself is impractical, the actions cited for follow below the table.
Name | Rank | NS no. | Date of action | Unit | Service Arm | Photo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
De Wet, Christoffel Hendrik [a] | 2 Lt | 001[8] | 26 Dec 1975 | 2nd Fd Eng Rgt, SAEC | SA Army | |
Wessels, David Eric [b] | 2 Lt | 002[8] | 28 Dec 1975 | 2nd Fd Eng Rgt, SAEC | SA Army | |
Fernando, Gabriel [c] | Cpl | 003[8] | 1 Aug 1980 | 5 Recce Rgt, SAIC | SA Army | |
Walker, Arthur [d] | Lt | 004[8] | 15 Jan 1981 | AFB Ondangwa | SAAF | |
Walker, Arthur HCG [e] | Capt | Bar to HCG[2][8] | 29 Dec 1981 | AFB Ondangwa | SAAF | |
Whiley, Paul Burger [f] | AB | 028[8] | 4 Aug 1991 | SAS Scorpion | SAN |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/Arthur_Walker%27s_decorations.jpg/300px-Arthur_Walker%27s_decorations.jpg)
- Honoris Crux Gold and Bar
- Southern Cross Medal
- Pro Patria Medal
- Southern Africa Medal
- General Service Medal (South Africa)
- Good Service Medal, Bronze
- Zimbabwean Independence Medal
- General Service Medal (Rhodesia)
- United Nations Medal (ONUMOZ)
Actions cited for
- ^ De Wet, Christoffel Hendrik – Second Lieutenant De Wet was the first recipient of the Honoris Crux Gold. He was cited for clearing a road of landmines while under enemy fire in Angola.
- ^ Wessels, David Eric. – Second Lieutenant Wessels was cited for actions in Angola during Operation Savannah at Bridge 14. Wessels crossed the bridge under fire to rescue a wounded FNLA soldier whom he brought back to the South African side in a 10t vehicle he had recovered from the enemy side. He returned later the afternoon to recover a fuel tanker left on the enemy occupied side of the bridge. He was wounded during this action and was covered in fuel from the punctured tanker. He crawled back for 170m under enemy fire and was rescued by own forces and brought back to safety.[9]
- ^ Fernando, Gabriel. – Corporal Gabriel was cited for deeds of gallantry on five separate occasions in 1980.
- ^ Walker, Arthur – Lieutenant Walker was cited for risking his life during a night operation in Angola, by turning on the lights of his helicopter to draw enemy fire away from another helicopter.[3]
Official citation: "During January 1981, two Alouettes, with Lieutenant Walker as flight leader, carried out close air support operations resulting in the Alouettes coming under intense enemy artillery and anti-aircraft fire. He only withdrew when ordered to do so. Later Lieutenant Walker returned to the contact area to provide top cover for a Puma assigned to casualty evacuation. Again he was subject to heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire. During the withdrawal the second helicopter developed difficulties and called for assistance. Yet again Lieutenant Walker returned to provide top cover drawing virtually all the anti-aircraft fire to his Alouette. His courageous act prevented the loss of an Alouette and crew. Lieutenant Walker's actions were not only an outstanding display of professionalism, devotion to duty and courage, but also constitutes exceptional deeds of bravery under enemy fire and make him a worthy recipient of the Honoris Crux Gold."[10] - ^ Walker, Arthur HCG. – Captain Walker HCG was cited for the award of the Honoris Crux Diamond, but was awarded the Bar to the HCG instead for landing in enemy territory to search for on foot and rescue the crew of a helicopter which had been shot down. He is the most highly decorated SADF member of the 1966-1989 Border War.[3]
Official citation: "During December 1981 Captain Walker was again requested to provide top cover for the evacuation of a seriously wounded soldier. On take-off with the evacuee his number two helicopter was hit and crash-landed. Without hesitation and with total disregard for his personal safety Captain Walker landed near the wrecked helicopter and immediately searched for the crew. Eventually the situation became suicidal compelling Captain Walker and his crew to withdraw. When he was airborne he spotted the missing crew and yet again, without hesitation and despite the fact that virtually all enemy fire was now directed in his direction, he landed and uplifted the crew to safety. Through this courageous deed he prevented the loss of two men. His distinguished actions, devotion to duty and courage make him a credit to the South African Defence Force in general, the South African Air Force in particular and makes him a worthy recipient of the Bar to the Honoris Crux Gold."[10] - ^ Whiley, Paul Burger – Able Seaman Whiley was awarded the HCG for his action to search for possibly trapped passengers inside the listing and sinking ship MTS Oceanos off the Transkei Wild Coast on 4 August 1991.[11][12]
References
- ^ South African Medal Website - Post-nominal Letters (Retrieved 28 April 2015)
- ^ a b c South African Medal Website - SA Defence Force : 1952-1975 (Retrieved 30 April 2015)
- ^ a b c South African Medal Website - SA Defence Force : 1975-2003 (Retrieved 30 April 2015)
- ^ a b c d e Republic of South Africa Government Gazette no. 15093, Pretoria, 3 September 1993
- ^ a b c d e f g h Republic of South Africa Government Gazette Vol. 477, no. 27376, Pretoria, 11 March 2005, OCLC 72827981
- ^ a b c d e Government Notice no. 1982 of 1 October 1954 - Order of Precedence of Orders, Decorations and Medals, published in the Government Gazette of 1 October 1954.
- ^ a b c d Monick, S (1988). South African Military Awards 1912–1987. South African National Museum of Military History. p. 49.
- ^ a b c d e f Uys, Ian (1992). Cross of Honour. Uys Publishers. p. 183. ISBN 0-9583173-2-1.
- ^ Uys (1992) p. 33
- ^ a b "Walkerville - The Walker Family". Retrieved 16 October 2013.
- ^ "Dié helde word met medaljes vereer". Die Burger. 31 August 1991. Archived from the original on 19 April 2014.
- ^ MS Oceanos - South African military bravery on the high seas (Retrieved 7 May 2015)
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Pre-Union
until 6 April 1952
Victoria Cross
Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst
Distinguished Service Order
Distinguished Service Cross
Military Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Force Cross
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Distinguished Conduct Medal (Natal)
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying)
Distinguished Service Medal
Military Medal
Distinguished Flying Medal
Air Force Medal
British Empire Medal (Military)
South Africa Medal (1853)
South Africa Medal (1880)
Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal
Queen's South Africa Medal
Medalje voor de Anglo-Boere Oorlog
Lint voor Verwonding
King's South Africa Medal
Natal Native Rebellion Medal
1914–15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal (South Africa)
Mercantile Marine War Medal
1939–1945 Star
Atlantic Star
Arctic Star
Air Crew Europe Star
Africa Star
Pacific Star
Burma Star
Italy Star
France and Germany Star
Defence Medal
War Medal
Africa Service Medal
King George V Coronation Medal
King George V Silver Jubilee Medal
King George VI Coronation Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (United Kingdom)
Meritorious Service Medal (Cape of Good Hope)
Meritorious Service Medal (Natal)
Meritorious Service Medal (South Africa)
Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Cape of Good Hope)
Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Natal)
Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal
Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (South Africa)
Volunteer Officers' Decoration for India and the Colonies
Volunteer Long Service Medal for India and the Colonies
Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration
Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal
Efficiency Decoration (South Africa)
Efficiency Medal (South Africa)
Decoration for Officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
Air Efficiency Award
King's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces
Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal
South African Medal for War Services
Sir Harry Smith's Medal for Gallantry (Unofficial)
Johannesburg Vrijwilliger Corps Medal (Unofficial)
Kimberley Star (Unofficial)
Cape Copper Company Medal for the Defence of O'okiep (Unofficial)
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1952–1994
Honoris Crux Gold
Star of South Africa, Gold
Star of South Africa, Silver
Star of South Africa (1952)
Louw Wepener Decoration
Honoris Crux (1952)
Honoris Crux Silver
Van Riebeeck Decoration
Honoris Crux (1975)
Pro Virtute Decoration
Southern Cross Decoration
Pro Merito Decoration
Van Riebeeck Medal
Louw Wepener Medal
Ad Astra Decoration
Army Cross
Air Force Cross
Navy Cross
Medical Service Cross
Southern Cross Medal (1952)
Pro Merito Medal (1967)
Southern Cross Medal (1975)
Pro Merito Medal (1975)
Danie Theron Medal
Jack Hindon Medal
Military Merit Medal
Korea Medal
Pro Patria Medal
Southern Africa Medal
General Service Medal (South Africa)
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal
Medal for Distinguished Conduct and Loyal Service
Good Service Medal, Gold
John Chard Decoration
De Wet Decoration
Cadet Corps Medal
Good Service Medal, Silver
Union Medal
Permanent Force Good Service Medal
John Chard Medal
Good Service Medal, Bronze
De Wet Medal
Queen's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces
Commandant General's Medal
SADF Champion Shot Medal
National Cadet Bisley Grand Champion Medal
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Transkei
Cross for Bravery
Transkei Defence Force Medal
Independence Medal (Transkei)
Military Rule Medal
Faithful Service Medal
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Bophuthatswana
Order of the Leopard, Commander
Distinguished Gallantry Cross
Defence Force Merit Decoration
Distinguished Gallantry Medal
Defence Force Merit Medal
Marumo Medal, Class I
Defence Force Commendation Medal
Marumo Medal, Class II
Nkwe Medal
General Service Medal
Independence Medal
Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Gold
Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Silver
Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Bronze
State President's Medal for Shooting
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/Flag_of_Venda_%281973%E2%80%931994%29.svg/23px-Flag_of_Venda_%281973%E2%80%931994%29.svg.png)
Venda
Gallantry Cross, Gold
Gallantry Cross, Silver
Distinguished Service Medal, Gold
Distinguished Service Medal, Silver
Venda Defence Force Medal
General Service Medal (Venda)
Independence Medal (Venda)
Long Service Medal, Gold
Long Service Medal, Silver
Long Service Medal, Bronze
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Ciskei
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Umkhonto
we Sizwe
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Azanian People's
Liberation Army
![South Africa](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/23px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png)
From 1994