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Miniature circular silvered medal on scrolled ribbon suspension bar; the face with a view of Thaba Bosiu with figures on horseback in the foreground, inscribed ‘THABA BOSIGO’ and dated ‘1865’ below, circumscribed ‘LOU WEPENER’ above and ‘DECORATION·DECORASIE’ below; the reverse with the pre-2000 arms of South Africa centrally; diameter 20.34mm (0.8 inch); on original ribbon.
The Decoration was instituted in 1952 to be awarded to members of the South African Defence Force for ‘most conspicuous or greatest heroism, in circumstances of great danger’. It was discontinued on 1 July 1975.
Louw Wepener was an Orange Free State military commander who was killed in action at Khubelo Pass in 1865 whilst attempting to storm Thaba Bosiu, the mountain stronghold of the Basuto King Moshoeshoe I.
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