My story is set in modern-day London and involves a government-sanctioned agency that deals with alien immigration, trade, diplomacy, and such. The leader of a particular branch of this agency is honored for his role in helping defend the planet against an alien threat. He's given the St. George medal.
Thanks in advance!
- Is this appropriate? Wikipedia says the St. George is only given if the bravery doesn't take place in the presence of the enemy. I'm not sure whether an unidentified alien threat (a carnivorous fog) would be considered "the enemy" or not. The man isn't military, nor is the agency. It's all civilian. He does risk his life, though. Repeatedly.
- I understand that the St. George Cross is often presented by the queen at Buckingham Palace. Is this the case for the regular St. George? If so, under what circumstances might it be presented elsewhere? (I wrote it as being given at a private banquet, formal, but not ultra-formal. The presenter was the leader of the entire agency.)
- Would someone attending an ultra-formal affair (at a later date) wear the entire medal pinned to a jacket? Or would they only wear a striped bar representing the medal? Or is it not appropriate to wear the medal at all?
- Final question. Would the St. George be given to a doctor who develops an antidote that prevents an alien fog from absorbing human blood, thereby saving millions of lives? Or is there a different kind of medal that's for people who go above and beyond, but without risking their lives?
Thanks in advance!