Decorations for Valor

Decorations for Valor

In generating many Traveller characters, and running many campaigns, I was struck by how easy it was to receive decorations of valor. True, PCs represent the 'cream of the crop', but when I ran into a character with 5 SEHs, I decided that even the Imperium would not cheapen decorations of valor to this extent. The SEH, in particular, should be a rare and difficult decoration to win, its issuance requiring confirmation by the Imperial Moot and awarded by the Emeror himself. Consequestly, I have added the Distinguised Service Cross to replace the SEH. The SEH can only be obtained by 'trading in' 3 (or 2 if the referee allows) DSC awards, i.e. a character who has received 3 (2) DSCs may elect to receive a single SEH instead.

As an alternative, The GM may allow for the standard rolls were succeeding in a decoration roll denotes and MCUF, suceeding by 3-5 idicates an MCG, succeeding by 6-7 is a DSC and 8+ ins an SEH. Characters msy decrease the base roll for a decoration by increasing the base survival roll the same amount.

Decorations are received based upon the original criteria set forth in the various Traveller rules with the exception that the DSC replaces the SEH. The award of an SEH is most often posthumous, thus any living holder commands a great deal of repect and admiration. An SEH holder is always accorder particular honors by military personnel (e.g. an SEH holder is always saluted first, regardless of rank)

Decoration Name Awarded for Notes
SEH Imperial Starbust for Extremem Heroism For Conspicuous Gallantry and Intrepidity at the Risk of Life, Above and Beyond the Call of Duty, in Action Involving Actual Conflict with an Opposing Armed Force. Persons on the Medal of Honor Roll and otherwise eligible may, upon application, qualify for a special life time pension of Cr1200 per year. Officers receiving the SEH are typically knighted if not noble.
DSC Distinguished Service Cross or Navy Cross Extraordinary Heroism in Connection with Military Operations Against an Opposing Armed Force. Second and subsequent awards are denoted by bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; a silver Oak Leaf Cluster is worn in lieu of five bronze.
MCG Medal for Conspicuous Gallantry For Gallantry in Action Against an Opposing Armed Force Second and subsequent awards are denoted by bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; a silver Oak Leaf Cluster is worn in lieu of five bronze.
MCUF Meritorious Conduct Under Fire For Heroic or Meritorious Achievement of Service in connection with Operations Against an Opposing Armed Force." Second and subsequent awards are denoted by bronze Oak Leaf Clusters;a silver Oak Leaf Cluster is worn in lieu of five bronze.
PH Purple Heart This decoration holds a very unique position in that it can be earned in only one way, by being wounded. An attendant requirement is that the wound must have been received as a direct result of enemy actions Second and subsequent awards are denoted by bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; a silver Oak Leaf Cluster is worn in lieu of five bronze.
Further SEH notes: The standards abopted for the SEH are based on those for the current US Medal of Honor. A review of awards of the MoH is illustrative.
Action Troops 'In country'

Medals Awarded

Posthumous % Posthumous % Awards
WWI 124 32 25.8%
WWII 440 250 56.8%
Korea 131 93 71.0%
Vietnam 2,594,000 239 150 62.8% 0.09%
Somalia 2 2 100%