A Mark of Supreme Respect: The Protocol and Tradition of Saluting Victoria Cross Recipients

The Victoria Cross (VC) and the Medal of Honor (MoH) stand as the paramount military decorations within their respective nations, embodying extraordinary human courage and sacrifice. These are not merely medals; they are tangible symbols of valor that resonate deeply within military and civilian spheres. A unique aspect of these awards is the special courtesy shown to their recipients: the salute. This raises a fundamental question: Is this gesture a formal military regulation, or a deeply ingrained, unwritten custom? This article meticulously explores this distinction, delving into the historical origins of the VC and MoH, dissecting the formal protocols and powerful traditions surrounding their salutes across Commonwealth nations, and drawing insightful parallels with the United States. Furthermore, it examines the profound symbolism inherent in such a gesture, the practicalities of its execution, and the unique psychological impact on those who bear these rare distinctions.

The relationship between formal military protocol and the reverence shown to these highest awards presents a fascinating tension. While general military regulations typically dictate salutes based on rank and hierarchy , there is a pervasive and deeply respected practice of saluting VC and MoH recipients regardless of their rank, or even if they are civilians. This indicates that the meaning of the salute in these specific contexts transcends its conventional function of acknowledging hierarchical authority. Instead, it becomes an act of profound deference to the act of valor itself, which places the recipient in a unique, almost sacred, category that supersedes ordinary rank structures. This inherent paradox—where the spirit of the custom often outweighs the letter of the regulation—forms a central theme of this report.  

The Victoria Cross: A Legacy Forged in Fire

The Victoria Cross was officially instituted by Royal Warrant on January 29, 1856, following the Crimean War (1854-56). Its creation marked a significant departure from previous military awards, as it was designed to recognize acts of bravery displayed by soldiers and sailors regardless of their social standing or rank. This democratic foundation for the highest award for gallantry fundamentally altered the traditional military hierarchy. If the award itself was designed to transcend social and military rank, it logically follows that the respect shown to its recipient would also transcend these conventional boundaries. This foundational principle likely served as the fertile ground from which the powerful custom of universal saluting to VC recipients emerged, establishing the medal’s inherent moral authority above the rigid structure of military rank from its very inception.  

The first 85 awards were made retrospectively for actions dating back to the start of the Crimean campaign. The inaugural investiture, a grand public spectacle, occurred on June 26, 1857, in London’s Hyde Park, where Queen Victoria personally presented 62 VCs to a cheering crowd. This public display by the monarch immediately cemented the medal’s supreme status. Traditionally, the medal is said to be cast from the bronze of captured Russian cannons from the Siege of Sevastopol, though later research indicates that many VCs, particularly post-1914, were made from Chinese cannon metal. The inscription “FOR VALOUR” was deliberately chosen over “FOR BRAVERY” at Queen Victoria’s recommendation, to avoid implying that only recipients of the Cross were brave in battle, emphasizing the exceptional nature of the deed. The Victoria Cross holds the highest position in the British and Commonwealth honors systems, taking precedence over all other orders, decorations, and medals.  

Since its inception, approximately 1,358 VCs have been issued to 1,355 individual recipients across various conflicts. A significant number, particularly during World War I, were awarded posthumously.  

The Salute: Regulation vs. Revered Custom

Formal Military Protocol

In most military forces, salutes are formal courtesies primarily exchanged between uniformed personnel, typically rendered by junior ranks to commissioned officers, warrant officers, and other designated dignitaries. The junior person is generally expected to initiate the salute. Salutes are typically not rendered indoors, except when formally reporting to a superior officer or during specific ceremonies.  

The Unwritten Rule: Universal Respect for the VC

For the Victoria Cross, there is no statutory regulation in the British military (e.g., King’s Regulations and Orders) that explicitly mandates all ranks salute a VC recipient solely by virtue of the medal. This is a critical distinction from general saluting protocols. However, despite the absence of a strict written rule, there is an  

extremely strong, widely observed, and deeply respected tradition and unwritten rule that mandates all ranks, regardless of their own rank or the recipient’s rank (even if the recipient is an enlisted member or a civilian), will salute a Victoria Cross recipient as a mark of profound respect for the medal and the extraordinary act of valor it represents. This clear distinction between the VC salute not being “statutory” yet being a “tradition [that] dictates that this occurs” highlights how military cultures function. It reveals the concept of “soft law”—unwritten but universally understood and rigorously enforced customs that carry as much, if not more, practical weight than formal written regulations. For the VC, this custom is so deeply embedded that it operates as a de facto mandatory protocol. This indicates a powerful cultural value placed on extreme valor that transcends the rigid, hierarchical structure of rank, demonstrating that respect for heroic deeds can be a higher order of protocol.  

Across Commonwealth Forces

This powerful tradition holds true across the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.  

• Australia: While rooted in tradition, the Australian context shows a unique semi-codified status. A media statement from the Prime Minister of Australia explicitly asserts that “all ranks of the Australian Defence Force are required to salute a Victoria Cross recipient”. This suggests a strong national policy reinforcing the custom. However, some sources indicate the   Australian Army Ceremonial Manual, Volume 1, Annex B to Chapter 13, might state that “Victoria Cross winners, unless they are serving commissioned officers in the armed forces, are not saluted”. This apparent contradiction between the Australian Prime Minister’s public statement and the potential wording in the Australian Army Ceremonial Manual is a significant nuance. This discrepancy suggests a gap between political pronouncements and the precise wording of military doctrine, where the political statement emphasizes the spirit of the tradition. It could also indicate a common misinterpretation or oversimplification of the manual’s specific rules, which might only apply to certain formal contexts. Furthermore, the manual itself might be outdated or effectively superseded by the overwhelming force of custom. Regardless of the exact cause, this contradiction itself serves as an illustration of the dynamic and sometimes fluid nature of military protocol. It underscores that for the Victoria Cross, the spirit of honoring supreme valor is so potent that it often overrides or reinterprets the literal interpretation of formal rules, reinforcing the idea that tradition can be a more powerful driver of behavior than explicit regulation.  
• Canada: Canada established its own Victoria Cross in 1993, perpetuating the lineage of the British VC. Although no Canadian VC has yet been awarded, the profound respect for Imperial VC recipients remains deeply ingrained in Canadian military culture.  
• New Zealand: The Victoria Cross for New Zealand, established in 1999, is identical in appearance to the British VC. Corporal Willie Apiata is the sole recipient to date , and the tradition of saluting would undoubtedly extend to him.  

A defining characteristic of this tradition is that the salute is rendered to the medal itself and the extraordinary bravery it signifies, often more than to the individual’s military rank. Potent examples include stories of senior Generals saluting Privates who are VC recipients, a powerful inversion of standard military protocol that underscores the medal’s transcendent status. This is not merely an abstract concept but a living practice. A compelling contemporary example is the documented instance of a Lieutenant Colonel of the Irish Guards saluting Private Johnson Beharry VC during a coronation contingent. Private Beharry received his VC in 2005 for two acts of extreme gallantry in Iraq. This visual demonstrates the tradition’s continued observance and its power to transcend rank. Similarly, it has been noted that the Chief of the Australian Army saluted Trooper Mark Donaldson VC, an enlisted soldier. These anecdotes further reinforce the universality of the custom across Commonwealth forces, showcasing how the highest-ranking officers willingly defer to the supreme valor embodied by the VC.  

Historical Roots and Enduring Anecdotes

While a single, definitive “origin event” for the VC salute tradition is not explicitly documented, its roots are undeniably intertwined with the very genesis of the Victoria Cross. Queen Victoria’s revolutionary decision to create an award “that would not recognise birth or class” inherently elevated the act of valor above social standing or military rank. The highly public and personal investiture ceremonies conducted by Queen Victoria in Hyde Park in 1857 would have immediately instilled a profound sense of reverence for the medal and its recipients, laying the groundwork for the unique saluting custom. This practice likely evolved organically, grafting onto existing military courtesies to acknowledge a higher form of distinction.  

The fact that the VC salute tradition, while not always explicitly mandated, is so widely observed and perpetuated through anecdotes suggests that it functions as a powerful form of cultural reinforcement. These stories and visual examples are not just historical curiosities; they are living lessons that actively reinforce the core values of valor, self-sacrifice, and humility within the military. By demonstrating that supreme courage transcends rank, these acts contribute significantly to unit cohesion, morale, and the perpetuation of an ethos where the deed, not just the position, earns the ultimate respect. This highlights the vital role of symbolic gestures in shaping and maintaining military culture.  

A Parallel Honour: Saluting Medal of Honor Recipients in the United States

Codified Respect: Regulations and Practice

The United States Medal of Honor (MoH) is the nation’s highest military decoration for valor, established relatively early in US history (1861 for Navy, 1862 for Army). It is uniquely awarded “by the President, in the name of Congress,” underscoring its national significance.  

Unlike the Victoria Cross, the protocol for saluting MoH recipients in the US military is more explicitly codified and widely publicized. Military doctrine states that “All service members salute the president of the United States and Medal of Honor recipients”. The National Medal of Honor Museum’s website unequivocally declares: “Medal of Honor Recipients are the only individuals saluted by all ranks of the military—including the President”. This strong statement reflects a clear and enforced policy.  

While DoD Instruction 1348.33 and Army Regulation 600-25 provide overarching guidelines for military decorations and courtesies , the specific mandate for saluting MoH recipients is often highlighted as a distinct and paramount courtesy within these broader regulations. Army Regulation 600-25 explicitly confirms that MoH recipients are entitled to a salute. Anecdotal evidence further supports this, including accounts of a Brigadier General saluting a Sergeant who was an MoH recipient , and even President Eisenhower reportedly returning a salute from an MoH recipient.  

Comparing Traditions

The primary distinction between the Victoria Cross and the Medal of Honor saluting protocols lies in the degree of formalization: the MoH salute is more explicitly mandated and integrated into US military regulations and training , whereas the VC salute, while universally observed, operates more as a powerful, unwritten custom, sometimes even in the face of ambiguous or seemingly contradictory official guidance. This difference in codification reflects broader cultural and historical approaches to military protocol. The United States, with its relatively shorter military history and emphasis on clear directives, tends to formalize such courtesies through written regulations. The Commonwealth nations, with their deeper, centuries-old military traditions, often rely on established customs and unwritten rules that are passed down through generations and hold immense cultural weight. This distinction highlights how shared values (honoring valor) can manifest through different procedural frameworks, yet achieve the same outcome of profound respect.  

Despite these procedural differences, both traditions share the fundamental principle of transcending conventional rank structures to render supreme respect to acts of extraordinary gallantry and self-sacrifice. They both acknowledge that the valor displayed places the recipient in a unique category of national hero, deserving of universal military deference.

The “Why”: Symbolism and the Weight of Valour

The Profound Symbolism of the Salute

The salute rendered to a VC or MoH recipient is far more than a mere formality; it is the ultimate mark of respect for supreme gallantry, self-sacrifice, and actions performed “above and beyond the call of duty”. It serves as a powerful acknowledgement that the individual has exhibited courage so extraordinary that it willingly supersedes normal rank-based protocols. The act of a senior officer saluting a junior enlisted VC recipient is a living testament to this principle, demonstrating that the hierarchy of valor transcends the hierarchy of rank. The salute is often articulated as being rendered “to the medal and what it represents, not the individual”. This distinction is crucial, as it elevates the gesture from personal deference to an acknowledgement of the abstract ideals of courage, duty, and sacrifice embodied by the award.  

The Medal as an Embodiment of National Ideals

The Victoria Cross and Medal of Honor are seen as embodying the highest national ideals of courage, patriotism, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, and citizenship. Their rarity and the exceptional criteria for their award make them potent symbols that inspire future generations of service members and reinforce the fundamental values upon which military service is built. The salute, therefore, is a public reaffirmation of these ideals.  

Psychological Impact

The universal and profound respect shown to VC and MoH recipients plays a vital role in fostering unit cohesion and morale. It demonstrates that ultimate bravery and sacrifice are not only recognized but deeply revered by the entire military institution, from the highest echelons to the newest recruit. This reinforces a culture where selfless actions are the most highly valued currency.

For the recipients themselves, bearing such a prestigious medal often comes with a unique psychological weight. Many describe the medal not as a personal triumph but as a “beautiful burden” or a symbol they carry on behalf of all who served and sacrificed, particularly those who did not return. They often feel a profound responsibility to live up to the medal’s immense standards and to represent the sacrifices of their fallen comrades.  

Historically, some recipients, particularly from older conflicts, found it challenging to discuss their actions or the medal, choosing to remain humble or even hide the award from their families. This reticence can be linked to the profound psychological toll of combat, including moral injury or post-traumatic stress. The contrast between the immense public and military reverence for VC/MoH recipients and the personal “burden” or humility often expressed by the recipients themselves highlights a significant psychological paradox. While society and the military demand public recognition and symbolic reverence for these heroes, the individuals who performed these extraordinary acts often grapple with the profound weight of their experiences, the loss of comrades, and an inherent humility that resists glorification. This tension underscores the complex human element behind the grand ceremonies and demonstrates that true heroism is often accompanied by a deep sense of responsibility and, at times, internal struggle, rather than a desire for accolades.  

In contrast, many modern recipients actively engage in public outreach and educational initiatives, using their platform to inspire and educate about the values the medal represents, demonstrating a shift in how the “burden” is perceived and managed.  

Practicalities and Etiquette: Navigating the Encounter

Salutes to VC or MoH recipients typically occur upon recognition at formal military events, parades, ceremonies, or even in public settings if the recipient is identifiable. The context often dictates the formality of the salute.  

How Recipients are Identifiable

• Victoria Cross: Recipients wear the full medal on appropriate formal occasions. For less formal settings, a miniature medal or a ribbon bar with a miniature replica of the cross is worn. The distinct crimson ribbon is also a key identifier.  
• Medal of Honor: The MoH is unique as the only military decoration worn around the neck. It has a distinctive light blue neck ribbon and a unique design. A rosette or ribbon bar with a miniature emblem may also be worn when the full medal is not appropriate. MoH license plates can also indicate a recipient’s status.  

Expected Responses

When saluted by a senior officer (or any rank), a VC or MoH recipient, whether a junior rank or civilian, is expected to acknowledge the salute politely. This typically involves a return salute if they are in uniform and entitled by their rank, or a polite nod, verbal greeting, or handshake if they are not in uniform or a civilian. The emphasis is on mutual respect and acknowledgement of the profound honor.  

When Salutes Might Be Awkward or Not Expected

While the impulse to show respect is strong, military protocol generally dictates that salutes are not required in very informal settings, public places (like theaters, restaurants, or public transport), or when rendering a salute would be impractical (e.g., carrying items with both hands, driving a vehicle). However, even in these scenarios, a civilian might offer a nod or verbal greeting as a sign of deference. The existence of nuanced rules regarding when  

not to salute demonstrates that military etiquette is not rigid but adaptable. It prioritizes practicality and common sense without diminishing the underlying respect. This flexibility ensures that the honor can be shown appropriately in diverse situations, reflecting a mature understanding of courtesy that balances formal adherence with real-world constraints.

Training and Education

New recruits in both Commonwealth and US forces are introduced to general saluting protocols and military customs and courtesies almost immediately upon joining. Specifically, US service members are taught to salute Medal of Honor recipients as part of their basic training curriculum. For VC recipients in Commonwealth forces, while explicit formal instruction may be less detailed in manuals, the tradition is deeply ingrained through military culture, leadership example, and informal education.  

Data and Statistics: The Rarity of Supreme Valour

The following tables provide a concise overview of the saluting protocols and statistics for the Victoria Cross and Medal of Honor, highlighting their unique status and extreme rarity. The extreme rarity of these awards is a critical factor in understanding the profound depth of respect accorded to these individuals. This scarcity elevates the awards beyond mere decorations to an almost mythical or legendary status. The fewer the recipients, the more unique and significant each award becomes, and consequently, the more universally observed and deeply felt the special courtesies, such as the salute, become. This scarcity amplifies the symbolic power of the gesture, transforming it into an almost sacred act of recognition.

Table 1: Saluting Protocols: Victoria Cross vs. Medal of Honor

Table 2: Statistics of Supreme Valor Awards

Beyond the Uniform: The Enduring Legacy of Valour and Its Recognition

Broader Societal Deference

The respect for VC and MoH recipients extends far beyond military ranks. Civilians, upon recognizing these heroes, often express their deference through spontaneous applause, heartfelt nods, handshakes, or simply a profound sense of awe and gratitude. Public recognition events, dedicated museums (e.g., National Medal of Honor Museum), and educational programs play a crucial role in cementing their status as national heroes and ensuring their stories continue to inspire.  

Extension to Other Highest Valour Awards

While the Victoria Cross and Medal of Honor are unique in their specific protocols, the underlying principle of honoring supreme valor is universal. Many other nations possess their own highest awards for military gallantry, often accompanied by significant respect. France’s Légion d’honneur, for instance, while a broad order of merit encompassing both military and civil achievements , awards its highest military distinction for extreme bravery and considers it the top valor award in France. Napoleon Bonaparte himself established it to recognize merit across all ranks and professions, mirroring the VC’s democratic origins. While the available information does not explicitly detail a “salute by all ranks regardless of rank” tradition for the Légion d’honneur in the same manner as the VC or MoH, its supreme status undoubtedly commands a similar, if culturally distinct, level of deference within the French military.  

The widespread existence of national valor awards and the broader civilian deference shown to their recipients underscores a universal human need: the innate drive to recognize, honor, and commemorate extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice. The military salute, in this context, is a highly formalized and deeply symbolic expression of this fundamental human tendency. The salute rendered to a Victoria Cross recipient is a powerful, living testament to the respect for supreme sacrifice and achievement. This fundamental human desire to acknowledge excellence extends into all spheres, with  

specialists in commemorative awards often being called upon to help organizations and communities create tangible and lasting symbols of appreciation. If societies invest such profound meaning and unique courtesies in military valor, it logically extends to the universal human desire for tangible, symbolic recognition of any significant achievement, whether in military service, corporate excellence, or community volunteering. While the Victoria Cross stands in a class of its own, the practice of designing custom medals for recognition ensures that acts of dedication, skill, and service in diverse fields—from corporate excellence to community volunteering—are also given memorable and fitting acknowledgment.

Conclusion: A Salute to the Spirit of Courage

The act of saluting a Victoria Cross recipient is a complex and deeply meaningful gesture, embodying a unique blend of formal military protocol and powerful, unwritten tradition. While formal regulations may primarily govern rank-based salutes, the VC tradition transcends these, demanding universal respect for the extraordinary valor symbolized by the medal itself. This stands in nuanced contrast to the United States’ Medal of Honor, where similar universal deference is more explicitly codified in military policy.

In both cases, the salute serves as a profound homage to actions “above and beyond the call of duty”—a recognition that supreme gallantry and self-sacrifice elevate individuals to a unique status that supersedes conventional military hierarchy. It is a living testament to the enduring power of courage and the deep reverence nations hold for those who embody their highest ideals. The salute to a Victoria Cross or Medal of Honor recipient is more than a mere courtesy; it is a profound acknowledgment of the human spirit’s capacity for extraordinary bravery, a solemn promise to remember, and a timeless inspiration for future generations.