Imperial Cross

The Imperial Cross is the Galactic Empire's primary commendation for bravery and command excellence, exclusively in combat situations. The medal is a black steel Maltese Cross with the Imperial Crest at its center, while its border, size, and wear vary based on the level of the award.

Second Class: bordered with a dull-bronze. Worn on the lower left-breast of the Imperial A-class uniform tunic.

First Class: bordered in silver; worn on the lower left breast of the tunic.

Knight's Cross of the Imperial Cross

Also simply referred to as the Knight's Cross, the Knight's Cross of the Imperial Cross is a very visible medal sought after my most Imperial military personnel. The award criteria become more stringent as the grades are ascended and due to considerable push-back from the ranks, it is one of the few decorations that is only awarded meritoriously (unlike the Imperial Medal of Merit, mostly given for political and nepotistic reasons).

The Knight's Cross is worn on a black and blue ribbon around the neck, with the ribbon concealed and the medal itself dangling down out of the front of the high collar.

Grades: Knight's Cross Knight's Cross with Pforr Leaves Knight's Cross with Pforr Leave and Crossed Sabres Knight's Cross with Pforr Leaves, Crossed Sabres, and Rubies Grand Cross of the Imperial Cross

Awarding of the Medal

The medal cannot be awarded unless the lower grade has been received. A being recommended for the Knight's Cross cannot be granted the award if he does not have the Imperial Cross, First Class, which would be awarded in its stead. Due to the eligibility requirements of the higher grades of the Knight's Cross it is most often awarded to commissioned officers.

Wear of the Medal

The Imperial Cross is worn on the lower left breast of a duty tunic or jumpsuit. A cloth version is authorized to be worn by technicians and other ratings. Personnel whose duty encompasses routine wear of armor are permitted to paint the medal on their glacis or left arm plates. The Knight's Cross is worn about the neck.

One may wear the Knight's Cross while displaying the Imperial Cross. One may not wear both grades of the Imperial Cross simultanenously.

If the medal is awarded in multiple (one recipient with subsequent citations), a diamond is emplaced in the arm of the cross for each award.