History

The Medal of the Order of the British Empire for Gallantry, also known as the Empire Gallantry Medal, was instituted by King George V on December 29, 1922, to replace the Medal of the Order of the British Empire. The Silver Medal was awarded to military and civil personnel in recognition of specific acts of gallantry. The Medal was superseded in 1940 by the institution of the George Cross. It is estimated that until its discontinuation, 130 Medals were issued. The Medal was also awarded posthumously.

The Medal features a silver laurel ribbon clasp. When the ribbon is worn alone, a smaller version of the laurel clasp is worn on the ribbon.

The military and civil versions of the Medal are distinguished only by the colour of the ribbon. Until 1937, Medals issued to civilian recipients featured a purple ribbon while Medals issued to military recipients featured a purple ribbon with a central scarlet stripe. After 1937, Medals issued to civilians featured a pink ribbon while Medals issued to military personnel featured a pink ribbon with an additional central grey stripe.

Recipients of the Medal were entitled to use the post-nominal letters "EGM."