Among the proud and ferocious Sardaukar, medals and other awards remained a basic method for instilling unit pride, for insuring that soldiers gave their utmost ef forts in combat, and for guaranteeing obedi ence under the most trying circumstances So total was the involvement of the average Sardaukar m his unit's historv that the decorations of that unit were a constant object of interest, and a highly decorated private sol dier gained a measure of respect not accorded to any outsider, regardless of his rank All Sardaukar decorations were authorized by the emperor and were awarded by him personally An award could be granted in the field or while on campaign by a Sardaukar commander of sufficient rank, but was not official until presented by the emperor Decorations fell into three general categories Titles and Orders of Distinction, Medals, and Badges The most common decorations and badges are listed here in order of precedence TITLES AND ORDERS Guardian of the Empire was the ultimate Tit)e of Distinction and was awarded to all ranks for a personal deed of surpassing heroism Recipients were also awarded the Star Cluster Medal and the Order of the Imperial Hero Only eighty were awarded in the entire history of the title and there is only one case of a recipient winning more than one award The Star Cluster Medal was awarded only to recipients of the title Guardian of the Empire The silver m