Philippines, Republic. A Distinguished Conduct Star, C.1960

Instituted in 1939. Two-piece construction, in silvered and gilt bronze with red, white and green enamels, the centrepiece illustrating a heraldic sea lion holding a dagger in its right hand, with two upright cannons, joined by a yoke and flanking a cluster of five arrows below, resting upon a five-pointed star with ball finials, the star backed by a wreath, measuring 47 mm (w) x 88 mm (h) inclusive of its Sampaguita open-ended wreath suspension with bar inscribed "FOR GALLANTRY", intact enamels, light contact on the reverse, on its original full-length neck ribbon with snap closure, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Distinguished Conduct Star is the second highest military award of the Philippines, preceded in precedence only by the Medal of Valour. The award was established in 1939, by President Manuel L. Quezon. With its establishment the award replaced the Philippine Constabulary Distinguished Conduct Star. This decoration is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, distinguishes themselves by an extraordinary act of heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Valour; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed enemy. The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades. The award is made by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.