The highest military and civilian decoration in the Commonwealth, the Black Star, first awarded posthumously to Master Sergeant Nellene Perkins(aka, Nellie Black Star)of the Hard n’ Fast Fifty-First during the Battle Of Sumterfield(30 June, 2025), is awarded to those who perform actions above and beyond the call of duty at great risk of life and limb; in fact, one of the prerequisites of the Black Star is that the intended recipient has either been wounded or killed in the line of duty. All awards of the Black Star—officially the Commonwealth Order of Extraordinary Heroism—are indicated by black stars arrayed in a geometric pattern round the rank insignia on the grey uniform beret.

It is extraordinary enough for one to survive her first award of the Black Star; more extrodinary still to survive her second award, near impossible for her to survive her third, while fourth awards are almost invariably posthumous.

Only one person in the history of the Commonwealth Forces has earned eleven Black Stars and live; Squadron Leader Dame Jameison Lanier, KC.C., OEH, DSM.

A living recipient of the Black Star is referred to as a “living Star,” a “living two-Star,” and so on.