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When was the George Cross established?
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medal
Pierre and Marie Curie depicted on the obverse of a medal from the Unio Internationalis Contra Cancrum (International Union Against Cancer) commemorating the Curies' discovery of radium in 1898.
The George Cross was established in 1940 by King George VI.1
It was instituted to recognize acts of the greatest heroism or most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. While primarily a civilian decoration, it may also be awarded to military personnel for actions that do not typically qualify for standard military honors. The award ranks second only to the Victoria Cross and replaced the Empire Gallantry Medal.1