DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER (DSO)
The Distinguished Service Order, DSO, is awarded for meritorious or distinguished service to officers during wartime, typically in actual combat. The DSO was instituted on 6 September 1886 by Queen Victoria. It was awarded to officers ranked Major (or its equivalent) or Higher.
The Military Cross, MC, is the third level military decoration awarded to officers. The MC may not be awarded posthumously and is granted to army commissioned officers' of the substantive rank of captain or below for "gallantry during active operations against the enemy." The Royal Warrant was amended in 1953 to include substantive Majors. Substantive Warrant Officers could also receive this award (although none were given) The award was created in 1914.
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (DFC)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, instituted for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy".
MEDAL FOR GALLANTRY (MG)
The Medal for Gallantry (MG) is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force. It recognises acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances. The MG was introduced on 15 January 1991 replacing the Imperial equivalent. It is ranked third in the Gallantry Decorations in the Australian Honours System. Recipients of the Medal of Gallantry are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "MG". Since its inception 31 awards have been made to 26-January-2008.
DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL (DCM)
The Distinguished Conduct Medal, DCM, was (until 1993) the second level military medal awarded to 'other ranks' (The Victoria Cross or VC was the highest). The medal was instituted in 1854 during the Crimean War and is the other ranks equivalent of the DSO.
MILITARY MEDAL (MM)
The Military Medal, MM, was awarded to soldiers below commissioned rank for: "Acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire." The medal was established in 1916 but back dated to 1914.
BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL (BEM)
The British Empire Medal, which may be awarded posthumously, is granted in recognition of meritorious civil or military service. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "BEM".
COMMENDATION FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
The Commendation for Distinguished Service is awarded for the distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations to members of the Australian Defence Force.
MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES (MID)
Mentioned in Despatches, MID, is a military award for gallantry or otherwise commendable service. If a subordinate officer or soldier performs a noteworthy action included in the report he/she is said to have been "mentioned in despatches."
♦ Died of Wounds
References:
Australian War Memorial
Palmer A. M. VIETNAM VETERANS - Honours and Awards, Perth WA. Military Minded.
WIKIPEDIA The Free Encyclopedia: Military Awards