Nursing Service Cross

The Nursing Service Cross (NSC) is a conspicuous service decoration of the Australian honours and awards system, instituted by Letters Patent on 18 October 1989.

The Nursing Service Cross is awarded to medics (enrolled nurses) and nurses (registered nurses) of the Australian Defence Force for outstanding devotion and competency in the performance of nursing duties, or for an act of exceptional dedication in the performance of such duties, in warlike or non-warlike conditions.

There have been 28 recipients, and 29 awards, since the Nursing Service Cross was instituted on 18 October 1989. Jonathan Aharon Walter is the sole awardee to have received the Nursing Service Cross more than once, first in 2004, and then again in 2007 (when he was awarded a Bar to his existing Nursing Service Cross).

The former Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army, Kim Felmingham, is also a Nursing Service Cross recipient. As of March 2010, nominations for the award of the Nursing Service Cross were suspended by determination of the Chief of Defence Force.