Medals

Synopsis

Medals are presented in a similar format, with grades and upgrades listed followed by who can recommend the award and who has approval authority. The RECC rank is the MINIMUM position that can recommend an award (CMDR, for example) and the APPROVAL rank is the MINIMUM position that can approve the award (NC for Naval Corps Commander, for example). In the case of merit awards, general examples of the activity required for each award are provided.

Flying Medals

Flying is an important part of activity for VF, especially within the Naval Corps (NC). Medals are awarded based on missions flown or successful MP engagements. Each medal and its requirements is explained below.

Flight Star (FS)

The Flight Star is awarded for single player (SP) flying, especially for completing custom VF missions. There is the basic FS, with advanced grades in Silver, Gold, and Diamond. The points scale (based on a scale of one point for each mission flown) for each grade is:

• Basic: 10
• Silver: 25
• Gold: 50
• Diamond: 100

RECOMMENDATION: CMDR and up
APPROVAL: NC

The VS is awarded for MP victories in any VF approved competition or arena. The grades for the VS are similar to the FS (Basic, Silver, Gold, Diamond), but the points are different.

• Basic: 5
• Silver: 20
• Gold: 40
• Diamond: 75

RECOMMENDATION: Automated based on comp results
APPROVAL: NC:A

Merit Medals

As mentioned above, there are two general types of merit medals. The first grade could be considered career medals, as they are based on accumulated Evaluation Points (EPs) from the monthly evaluation system. The second are purely merit medals, with differing requirements. Both are listed in a format similar to the flying medals above.

Both types of medals may be awarded multiple times. A second award is denoted with a Bronze Oakleaf. Once 5 bronze leaves have been accumulated, they are replaced with a single Silver Oakleaf. Five silver leaves are replaced with a Gold Oakleaf, and should a 5 oakleaf mark be reached, it is replaced with a Diamond Oakleaf.

Career-Type Medals

Career medals follow the same points progression scale and the same award authority table. Once a pilot has accumulated 10 points in a particular Evaluation category, he may be recommended for an award. New awards may be recommended with every new multiple of 10 in that category (20, 30, 40, and so on).

RECOMMENDATION: CMDR
APPROVAL: NC

Imperial Commendation (IC)
This medal is awarded for outstanding participation in VF comps and events.
EP TYPE: Participation

Medal of Achievement (MoA)
This medal covers both written and graphic achievement.
EP TYPE: Graphics/Fiction

Commander�s Cross (CC)
This medal recognizes achievement in leadership and command ability.
EP TYPE: Leadership

Tactics Star (TS)
This is an exception to the standard Career Medal progression. One is awarded for each mission or battle designed by the pilot that is approved for VF use.

Mention in Dispatches (MiD)
This medal symbolizes outstanding communication within a unit.
EP TYPE: Communication

Medal of Merit (comp medals)

• Medal of Merit - 4th Class (Winning squadron level competitions)
• Medal of Merit - 3rd Class (Winning Wing/Ship(VSD) Competitions)
• Medal of Merit - 2nd Class (Winning ship wide(ISD) Competitions)
• Medal of Merit - 1st Class (Winning Fleet wide competitions)

Merit Medals

These medals are awarded based on subjective criteria that are spelled out in each medal�s description. They all have different levels of recommendation and approval, and should be used to reward achievement that is not listed in the normal Evaluation Process.

These medals are listed in ascending order, with the lowest listed first. This is only in comparison to the other merit medals; none of these should be freely or loosely awarded. They recognize true merit and achievement, and should be used for that purpose. These medals may also be awarded to ANY member, regardless of position or rank. Merit is not exclusive to a particular rank or position.

Vader�s Clasp (VC)
The VC may be awarded to any member who, on his own initiative, designs a web page for his unit or undertakes similar activity (fiction or graphics) to improve morale in his unit. This is only if his normal duties do not require such effort.
RECOMMENDATION: CMDR
APPROVAL:NC

Cross of Empire (CE)
The CE is intended to recognize achievement either in the area of developing competitions (if this is not normally required of the officer) or sustained excellence in a number of areas. Sustained excellence translates to an average of 4 or higher in all evaluation categories over a three month period.
RECOMMENDATION: WC or CAPT
APPROVAL: NC

Bronze Star (BS)
The BS is awarded in recognition of a single major contribution (such as bringing in six new recruits to VF) or long term excellence in all positions held. Long term excellence here means an average of 4 or higher on evaluations over a six month period.
RECOMMENDATION: COM or CAPT
APPROVAL: NC

Silver Star (SS)
The SS is awarded for excellence over a 9 month period (same required average as the CE and BS) as well as for undertaking and successfully completing projects that have a major impact on the progress and stability of VF. An example of the latter might be recruiting enough people to open a new unit (at least two squadrons� worth) and then leading that unit to victory in a fleet-level competition.
RECOMMENDATION: COM or NC
APPROVAL: XO

Medal of Honor (MoH)
This award is given out at the discretion of the Fleet Commander to individuals who have rendered a great service to VF. This may come in any area, and should have a lasting impact on the club in many areas.
RECOMMENDATION: NC or XO
APPROVAL: FC

Dagger of HonorV
This is not a medal. Instead it is a singular award given out by the FC ONLY to those people he feels have rendered great service to VF in any area. A Dagger of Honor is a great award, and is authorized to be worn with any uniform.
RECOMMENDATION: XO
APPROVAL: FC