HISTORY: The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest recognition for valour "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to members of the armed forces of some Commonwealth countries - and before them some British Empire personnel. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service, and civilians under military command. A total of 1,356 Victoria Crosses have been awarded since 1856. This figure is made up of 1,352 people who have earned the VC, plus three bars (awarded to people who receive the decoration a second time), and one award in 1921 to the American Unknown Soldier of the First World War. (The British Unknown Warrior was reciprocally awarded the US Medal of Honor.) FROM: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Cross