The Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Distinguished Courage and Self-Sacrifice (or Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri Üstün Cesaret ve Feragat Madalyası in Turkish) stands as one of the most prestigious honors conferred by the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), established on July 3, 1975.
In times of war or peace, the medal is awarded to individuals or military units who have demonstrated exceptional courage and self-sacrifice while carrying out their duties, often risking their lives in the process.
This prestigious accolade may be bestowed upon civilians or military personnel of any nationality. Recommendations for its awarding can be made by the Deputy Minister for National Defense or by any of the Commanders representing the four branches of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF): the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, or the Gendarmerie (excluding the Commander of the fifth branch, the Coast Guard). Final approval for the award rests with the Chief of the General Staff.
The Medal of Distinguished Courage Design
The medal features silver laurels surrounding a gold medal with an engraving of Mehmetçik, the legendary Turkish soldier, atop.
The regular size decoration consists of three pieces. Made of bronze, it is minted with 5 micrometer silver and 0.2 micrometer gold-plating. It weighs 59 grams and has a diameter of 3.5 cm. The miniature size decoration also comprises three pieces. Made of bronze, the miniature medal is minted with 5 micrometer silver and 0.2 micrometer gold-plating. It weighs 15 grams and has a diameter of 1 cm.
The ribbon is red with a golden crescent moon and a star on top.
