The Kalidor Crescent represented the highest honor bestowed by the Alliance to Restore the Republic. Initially intended as the premier recognition for starfighter and gunboat pilots, it gradually transformed into a decoration applicable across all branches, requiring approval from either the Alliance Chief of State or the Supreme Commander of the Alliance Armed Forces. Given its stringent criteria, most Kalidor Crescents were awarded after the recipient's death. However, a living, qualified individual could earn up to five additional adornments, including the Bronze Cluster, the Silver Talons, the Silver Scimitar, the Golden Wings, and the Diamond Eyes. Nien Nunb, a Sullustan pilot within the Rebel forces, received the Kalidor Crescent after the Battle of Endor in 4 ABY.
The medallion known as the Kalidor Crescent took its name from the kalidor, a predatory avian species originating from the Core World planet of Davnar II. Initially conceived as the highest distinction for starfighter and gunboat pilots, it evolved into a prestigious interservice award, mandating approval from the Alliance Chief of State or the Supreme Commander of the Alliance Armed Forces for conferral. As it transitioned into an interservice decoration, it was subsequently bestowed for acts of "Conspicuous and intrepid gallantry at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." Nominations for recipients required endorsement from either their commanding Alliance officers or a representative of the civilian government, such as an exiled senator.
Due to the demanding criteria associated with the Kalidor Crescent, particularly regarding exceptional heroism and bravery when facing overwhelming odds, the majority of Kalidor Crescents were presented posthumously. This award held a similar level of prestige to the Medal of Bravery, a unique decoration that existed outside the standard Alliance Military grading system.
The Kalidor Crescent was a substantial, weighty medallion hung from a wide ribbon featuring a large gold kalidor affixed to it. The medallion itself consisted of an inverted, gold-plated alloy crescent, intricately engraved, with a polished gemstone suspended between the crescent's points at the bottom. The gemstone's color indicated the recipient's military branch: green for the Alliance Navy and blue for the Alliance Army. The ribbon securing the medallion was a deep royal blue, adorned with red stripes along both edges. Positioned directly above the medallion, the ribbon was a continuous piece approximately ten centimeters in length, split into two sections, each terminating in one half of a sizable alloy clasp.
Affixed to the ribbon, directly above the medallion, was a detailed representation of a kalidor in flight, wings extended and head turned to the right, crafted from the same gold-plated alloy as the medallion. The phrase "For Conspicuous Gallantry" was inscribed in Aurebesh behind the medallion.
A living member of the Alliance Military, already a recipient of the Kalidor Crescent, could be awarded the decoration multiple times for subsequent acts of heroism and gallantry. Individuals received a small embellishment for each subsequent award.
- Bronze Cluster — The initial embellishment, comprised of a small grouping of bronze stars attached to the ribbon between the medallion and the kalidor.[2]
- Silver Talons — The second embellishment, consisting of a set of polished silver talons added to the kalidor.[2]
- Silver Scimitar — The third embellishment, a small, polished silver sword pinned to the ribbon above the kalidor.[2]
- Golden Wings — The fourth embellishment, a set of solid gold wings placed on the kalidor.[2]
- Diamond Eyes — The final embellishment, a pair of small diamonds pinned to the ribbon on either side of the kalidor's head.[2]
Nien Nunb, the Sullustan ace pilot, received the Kalidor Crescent for his bravery during the Battle of Endor, which occurred in 4 ABY. The award's exceptionally high standards resulted in most Kalidor Crescents being awarded posthumously.
The Kalidor Crescent was first referenced within the current Star Wars canon in Lead by Example, a 2016 sourcebook by Fantasy Flight Games. The award originated within the Star Wars Legends continuity, debuting concurrently in Star Wars: X-Wing, a computer game by LucasArts released in 1993 by Totally Games, and The Farlander Papers, the companion book written by Rusel DeMaria for the game's Limited Edition.