Dickin Medal Dickin Medal The PDSA Dickin Medal was instituted in 1943 in the United Kingdom by Maria Dickin to honour the work of animals in World War II. It is a bronze medallion, bearing the words "For Gallantry" and "We Also Serve" within a laurel wreath, carried on a ribbon of striped green, dark brown, and pale blue. It is awarded to animals that have displayed "conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving or associated with any branch of the Armed Forces or Civil Defence Units". The award is commonly referred to as "the animals' Victoria Cross" (although the Victoria
Volunteer combatant's cross 1914–1918 Volunteer combatant's cross 1914–1918 The Volunteer combatant's cross 1914–1918 () is a French decoration that recognizes those who have volunteered to serve on the front in a combat unit during World War I. When the 1914–1918 Commemorative war medal (France) () was established, it was anticipated that a clasp bearing "ENGAGÉ VOLONTAIRE" () would be worn on its ribbon for those who had freely and voluntarily enlisted in the French Armed Forces for combat service. This clasp was produced, however it was short lived due to parliament demanding the establishment of a special insignia to distinguish the special merit of