Awards and decorations of Barrayar
The Empire of Barrayar has a number of awards and decorations; beyond and alongside State orders and decorations, there are some dynastic orders, as well as Komarran and Sergyaran decorations for several merits.
State decorations
Barrayaran State decorations are bestowed by State authorities (mainly the Emperor of Barrayar, but also Viceroys of Komarr and Sergyar) on the basis of specific laws and statutes; the Emperor in these cases acts as the supreme State authority.
State orders and decorations could be only military or both civilian and military: no order or decoration is reserved for civilians only.
Hero of the Barrayaran Empire
The decoration of "Hero of the Barrayaran Empire" is the highest title of honour of the Barrayaran Empire. A person that has been granted the title also receives a Gold Star Medal, an insignia of honour that identifies recipients.
The title is awarded to persons, both civilian and military personnel, that delivered a "service to the Barrayaran Empire and Imperium, connected with a deed of a heroic valour". The title is bestowed by the Emperor of Barrayar. Barrayaran citizenship, and being in state service is not obligatory.
The title of Hero of the Barrayaran Empire can be awarded for a heroic deed in the service of the state and it can be awarded to both civilian and military personnel. The title can also be awarded posthumously if the heroic act costs the recipient his or her life. The Emperor of Barrayar is the sole conferring authority of the award. If merits which have determined the grant of the title of Hero of the Barrayaran Empire are labour-related, the Emperor can, on its own choice, award instead the title of "Hero of Labour of the Barrayaran Empire". Such a title is considered to be slightly inferior to the main award, and may be issued only for special services in labour to the Empire and its peoples, associated with the achievement of outstanding results in public, social and economic activities aimed at ensuring the welfare and prosperity of the Empire, especially if related to the demographic growth.
The insignia of Hero of the Barrayaran Empire is worn on the left side of the chest above all other medals and decorations. Its medal is always worn in full size, there is no ribbon bar or rosette that can be worn in its lieu.
Hero of the Barrayaran Empire
The title of "Hero of the Barrayaran Empire" is a ceremonial title of honour appointed by the Emperor, to a select few Imperial military high ranking officers. The title of Warlord is only recognized by the most skilled and loyal Barrayaran soldiers. The title is presented specifically to those Imperial Service officers who have a particular expressed interest in both ruthlessness and creativity, and are considered to not only repeatedly redefine the impossible, but to do so with inimitable panache. It is considered one of the highest honours the Empire could supply to its forces, and usually it is viewed as a prerequisite for the award of the title of Hero of the Barrayaran Empire.
Description
The insignia of the title of "Hero of the Barrayaran Empire" is also called the "Gold Star" medal. The "Gold Star" medal is a gold five-pointed star with smooth 15 mm dihedral rays on the obverse. The otherwise plain reverse bears the prominent relief inscription in 2 mm high letters "HERO OF BARRAYAR" at its centre, in the upper portion, the award serial number in 1 mm high numbers. The insignia is secured to a square mount by a ring through the suspension loop. The mount itself is covered by a moiré silk tricolour ribbon of black, red and black, representing at the same time the Barrayaran flag and mourning for the dead ones and blood spilled for the Empire.
Order of Companions of the Emperor
The Order of Companions of the Emperor is an order to honour senior administrative and military officials, especially in the imperial entourage. It is divided into three grades, of which only the first, Companions of the First Rank, retain any value. In many cases, the title is granted ex officio above a certain civil or military rank, but it could also be purely honorary; when the title is granted ex officio, also the Order of Dorca Vorbarra is awarded (Companions of First Rank created ex-officio are granted the title of Knight Grand Cross, while Companions of Second and Third Rank are granted the title of Grand Officer). In the military sphere, the title of Companion of the First Rank is usually granted to a group of senior commanders.
Order of Dorca Vorbarra
The Order of Dorcas Vorbarra is the highest order of chivalry of the Empire. It is divided into five classes and is awarded in recognition of great services to the country, committed by both civilian and military Barrayaran subjects, both in time of peace and war.
It was established by Emperor Dorca the Just Vorbarra.
Ranks
The Order of Dorcas Vorbarra is divided into five classes:
- Knight Grand Cross (Dame Grand Cross) (120 members)
- Grand Officer (360 members)
- Knight Commander (Dame Commander) (1,200 members)
- Officer (2400 members)
- Knight (Dame) (unlimited)
Medal for Long Service
In parallel to the Order of Dorcas Vorbarra in 2839 was created the Long Service Medal, designed to reward those who had come to the fulfilment of fifty years of military service (years of command are double counted). The medal consists of a large gold plaque to be worn around the neck depicting Emperor Dorcas on horseback and may be granted to all military personnel, regardless of rank or unit.
The Medal for Long Service is awarded also to police forces members, under the name of "Medal for Long Police Service", and the ribbon is blue. The police award was established in 2983.
Insignia
Green is the dominant colour since the establishment of the Order, mainly because it was the Dorca's favourite colour.
The collar of the order or cord consists of a collar of green moiré silk stopped at several points by the monogram of the reigning Grand Master in gold. From the cord hangs the sign crowned the order.
The badge of a Knight Grand Cross consists of a large cross Greek cross in white enamel from which emerge four arms in green enamel. It is mounted on a star shining in silver.
The badge of a Grand Officer consists of the Greek cross in white enamel from which emerge four arms in green enamel. It is mounted on a diamond shining in silver.
The medal of the order consists of a cross Mauritian white enamel from which emerge four arms in green enamel. From the class of Officer of the medal is joined to the ribbon with a golden crown.
The ribbon of the order is green with overlapping crowns or gold or silver depending on the grade.
The ceremonial robe is green edged with white sleeves and a collar of red cloth, buttoned down the front with gold. On the front is located in front of the sign of the order embroidered, consisting of a Greek Cross in white from which emerge four arms in green. On the front of the garment is completed by a knotted cord that falls on his chest.
Military awards and decorations
The Barrayaran system includes a complex system of military awards and decorations, used to recognize meritorious acts related to military world. The military order of precedence follows a mixed rule and it differs from the "ordinary" order of precedence:
- Hero of the Barrayaran Empire
- Imperial Military Order
- Knight Grand Cross
- Grand Officer
- Knight Commander
- Officer
- Knight
- Gold Medal for Military Valour;
- Silver Medal for Military Valour;
- Bronze Medal for Military Valour;
- Imperial Gold Star
- Imperial Silver Star
- Imperial Bronze Star
- Gold Medal at the Valour of the Service;
- Silver Medal at the Valour of the Service;
- Bronze Medal at the Valour of the Service;
- Gold Medal for Civil Valour;
- Silver Medal for Civil Valour;
- Bronze Medal for Civil Valour;
- Cross of Military Valour;
- Gold Cross of Merit of the Service;
- Silver Cross of Merit of the Service;
- Bronze Cross of Merit of the Service;
- Gold Medal for Civil Merit;
- Silver Medal for Civil Merit;
- Bronze Medal for Civil Merit;
- Weapons of Honour
- Order of Dorca Vorbarra
- Knight Grand Cross (Dame Grand Cross)
- Grand Officer (360 members)
- Knight Commander (Dame Commander)
- Officer
- Knight (Dame)
In that the Order of Dorcas Vorbarra, being considered the highest one, is shown on the most important position, on the centre con the torso.
Imperial Military Order
The Imperial Military Order is an order of chivalry to reward the different actions performed in war by the Imperial Service units or individual soldiers belonging to them, which have given evidence of expertise, sense of responsibility and valour. The head of the Order is Emperor Serg Vorbarra, while the Registrar and Treasurer is Minister of War Alexandre Vordarian. The decorations of the Imperial Military Order may not exceed, for each class, the following quantities:
- Knight Grand Cross (160 members): This decoration can be granted to the fourth general/admiral who during period of war, or at least in significant military operations, has exercised command the results are such that he is considered Meritorious Servant of the Empire and Right Hand of His Imperial Majesty;
- Grand Officer (480 members): the Cross of Grand Officer can be attributed to a general or flag officer that capacity, value and boldness in planning for the responsibilities assumed by imparting the order of execution has made a valuable contribution to the successful outcome of military action of singular importance and of considerable utility;
- Knight Commander (1,600 members): the Cross of Knight Commander can be attributed to a general or flag officer that capacity, value and boldness in planning for the responsibilities assumed by imparting the order of execution has made a valuable contribution to the successful outcome of military action of singular importance and of considerable utility;
- Officer (3,200 members): The Cross of Officer can be attributed to the officer who, by exercising command, has, with intelligence, laudable initiative, skill, courage and sense of responsibility, contributed to the success of a military operation of considerable utility;
- Knight (5,000 members): The knight's cross can be attributed to the soldier of any rank who, during an act of war by taking a command higher than that of its degree and demonstrating remarkable skill and singular valour, validly contest favourably resolve an important action war.
The awards are conferred by the Emperor's decree on the proposal of the Minister of War, after consulting the Council of the Order. Decorations can also be given during military operations carried out in peacetime, "to the memory" and "to the Flag"; in the latter case, however, the decoration is limited to the Cross of Knight of the Order and does not include decorations of the upper class.
Imperial Protector
Imperial Protector is a title given to individual officers of the Imperial Service as a mark of their devotion to and approval by the Emperor himself. This title signifies an honour conferred on rather than a function carried out by the recipient. It is granted to officers who had distinguished themselves serving directly under the Emperor and are marked out for accelerated promotion under his patronage. It is very rarely bestowed and almost never on Vor officers.
Decorations for Military Valour
The decorations for military valour are established to enhance the acts of military heroism, signalling as worthy of public honour the authors of them and arousing, at the same time, the spirit of emulation in belonging to military forces. The decorations for military valour are:
- The Gold Medal for Military Valour;
- The Silver Medal for Military Valour;
- The Bronze Medal for Military Valour;
- The Cross of Military Valour.
The Cross of Military Valour takes the name "War Cross for Military Valour" when it is conferred for acts committed during a state of war or serious international crisis.
The decorations for Military Valour are awarded to those who, for an act of bravery that could be omitted without missing the duty and honour, they faced knowingly, with great courage and happy with the initiative, a manifest and grave personal risk in war efforts. The granting of these decorations takes place only if his act is such as to constitute, in every respect, an example worthy of imitation.
If the action tends only to charitable or typically professional purposes is granted a reward of any other nature, even if the author is a military service or unit.
The conferment of decorations for Military Valour is carried out by an Emperor's Decree. The decrees, when they are not issued motu proprio, are issued on a proposal from the Chief of the General Staff. The power to confer the said decorations may, in time of war or serious international crisis, be delegated to the military high commands; even in this case, the conferment must be sanctioned by an Emperor's Decree.
For military in active service the initiative of the proposal must be taken by the immediate superior, or other higher superior.
For the retired military personnel and for those outside the Imperial Service who have committed an act of valour, the initiative of the proposal is adopted by the local military authorities or even by the civil authorities. The proposals are advanced through the official channels, to enable the higher authorities to express their views.
The Decorations may also be granted to foreign nationals, as well as commands, bodies or entities.
Imperial Star
The Imperial Star is a military decoration awarded to those have been injured during the fullfilment of duty. The decoration has various denominations and three classes: Gold, Silver and Bronze. The Imperial Star is awarded both on war and non-war times. The various classes depend on the amount of blood the Soldier has shed on the front lines.
The insignia of the Imperial Star is worn on the left side of the chest among the Military Valour and the Military Merit. Its medal is always worn in full size, there is no ribbon bar or rosette that can be worn in its lieu.
The Imperial Star was established by Emperor Ezar in 2843. The Imperial Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Imperial Service, distinguishes, or has distinguished, herself or himself by being injured during the fullfillment of duty.
The Imperial Star is awarded by the Emperor to any member of the Imperial Service who has been wounded or killed during the fullfillment of duty. Specific examples of services which warrant the Imperial Star also include any action while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which Barratar is not a belligerent party. A "wound" is defined as an injury to any part of the body from an outside force or agent sustained under one or more of the conditions enabling the recomendation. A physical lesion is not required; however, the wound for which the award is made must have required treatment. When contemplating an award of this decoration, the key issue that commanders must take into consideration is the degree to which the enemy caused the injury. The fact that the proposed recipient was participating in direct or indirect combat operations is a necessary prerequisite, but is not sole justification for award.
Injuries or wounds which do not qualify for the recomendation of award of the Imperial Star include self-inflicted wounds, except when in the heat of battle, and not involving gross negligence.
Active duty personnel are awarded the Imperial Star upon recommendation from their chain of command, stating the injury that was received and the action in which the service member was wounded. Imperial Star presentations are recorded in both hardcopy and electronic service records. The annotation of the Imperial Star is denoted both with the service member's parent command and at the Imperial Service Headquarters. An original citation and award certificate are presented to the service member and filed in the field service record. Service members requesting retroactive awards of the Imperial Star must normally apply through the Personnel Records Centre. Following a review of service records, qualified Imperial Service members are awarded the Imperial Star by a senior official of the Ministry of War (often the had of the Personnel records centre himself).
Awards of Merit of the Imperial Service
Acts of courage performed in non-war military activities carried out by the Imperial Service, intended to save lives, to prevent accidents or mitigate their consequences, as well as businesses and studies aimed at the development and progress of the Imperial Service, or individual actions characterized with great skill, from which they are derived prestige and decorum to the Imperial Service, are rewarded with the following rewards:
- Gold Medal at the Valour of the Service;
- Silver Medal at the Valour of the Service;
- Bronze Medal at the Valour of the Service;
- Gold Cross of Merit of the Service;
- Silver Cross of Merit of the Service;
- Bronze Cross of Merit of the Service.
The Awards may also be granted to foreign nationals, as well as commands, bodies or entities. Medals to the Valour of Service are awarded to those who, in extremely difficult conditions, have shown strong courage and singular skill, save for one or more persons in danger or to prevent or reduce the damage of a serious disaster, while the Cross of Merit of the Service is intended to reward the competition particularly clever, bold and effective business and studies reported importance for the development and progress of the Imperial Service.
Civil Valour and Merit awards
Awards for Civil Valour are honours granted by the Empire in order to reward acts of exceptional courage who manifest illustrious civic virtue and to signal the authors as worthy of public honour. Individuals or military units, institutions and intermediary bodies can be awarded when they knowingly exposed their lives to an obvious danger. Awards for civil valour are assigned in relation to specific acts, which include saving people exposed to serious and imminent danger, the prevention of the damage of a public or private disaster, the re-establishment of law and order, the arrest of criminals and scientific discoveries.
Depending on the circumstances of time and place in which the action was performed, and the effects achieved, four different types of reward may be assigned:
- Gold Medal for Civil Valour;
- Silver Medal for Civil Valour;
- Bronze Medal for Civil Valour;
Awards of Civil Merit are honours granted by the Empire in order to reward those who have laboured, with great sense of self-denial, to alleviate the suffering of others or, in any case, in rescuing those who are in need. Depending on the circumstances of time and place in which the action was performed, and the effects achieved, four different types of reward may be assigned:
- Gold Medal for Civil Merit;
- Silver Medal for Civil Merit;
- Bronze Medal for Civil Merit;
- Certificate of Public Merit.
The latter is granted by the Minister of the Interior, while medals are awarded by the Emperor on a proposal of the Minister of the Interior.
Weapons of Honour
Weapons of Honour are ceremonial weapons awarded for service or assistance to the Empire of Barrayar. Weapons of honour are awarded as military awards for feats of arms. Each component of the Imperial Military Service has its own distinction and weapons of honour. Swords of Honour, divided into three classes, are awarded for exceptional actions outside the scope of the items above.