 Instituted on 20 May 1963, retrospective to 31 May 1961, the decoration was awarded to all ranks of the South African Police, for conspicuous and exceptional bravery in the execution of duties, or in protecting or saving life or property.Recipients were entitled to the post-nominal letters PCF, standing for Praefecturae Crux Fortitudinis, the Latin form of the name.The PCF is a gold cross, each arm built up in five stepped layers.