The first type, introduced on 6 April 1952, was awarded for gallantry in action against the enemy in the field.
It was a silver-gilt Maltese cross with eagles between the arms. The obverse was green, with an orange-white-blue centre disc framed in a red circle inscribed "Honoris Crux". The reverse displayed the 1910 South African national coat of arms, and specimens made before 1961 also had Queen Elizabeth II's royal cipher E II R. The ribbon was green with red and white edges.
Only five awards were made, all to members of the South African Air Force, the first in 1973 and the others in 1975.
Read more about this topic: Honoris Crux
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