Star of Kobol

The Star of Kobol is a distinguished service medallion bestowed at the Quorum of Twelve's discretion.

According to Sire Domra in his speech to Commander Adama, such an award was an honor that no "living Colonist had been given in over a millennium" ^{(TOS: "Baltar's Escape")}.

Recipients

The Quorum gives this award to Adama in order to sugarcoat the fact that they are relieving Adama over unilateral control of the Fleet ^{(TOS: "Baltar's Escape")}.

Later, Commander Kronus receives this award upon being given command of a small group of ships within the Fleet ^{(TOS: "Take the Celestra")}.

Possible Recipients

The emblem is earlier seen as Commander Cain's ascot pin ^{(TOS: "The Living Legend")}. Later, the emblem would later be seen as a uniform device on both versions of Colonel Boomer's Galactica 1980 uniforms, a silver version worn on his blue officer's uniform ^{(1980: "The Super Scouts, Part II")} and on his Warrior battle uniform ^{(1980: "Space Croppers")}, and later worn by Lieutenant Dante on his ascot ^{(1980: "Space Croppers")}. This may indicate that both officers were recipients of this award at some time, or just a reuse of an available prop.

Commander Cain's ascot decoration, reminiscent of the Star of Kobol ^{(TOS: "The Living Legend, Part I")}.
Colonel Boomer's tunic decoration, reminiscent of the Star of Kobol ^{(1980: "Space Croppers")}.
Colonel Boomer's tunic decoration, reminiscent of the Star of Kobol ^{(1980: "The Super Scouts, Part I")}.
Lieutenant Dante, D Squadron leader, with the ascot featuring the emblem ^{(1980: "Space Croppers")}

Notes

The award may represent the star of Kobol's system, that guided travelers (both in legend and in "Lost Planet of the Gods") through the great magnetic void to Kobol. As such the award might symbolically indicate that the recipient is a guiding beacon of light, leading the way for others.
Many real-world militaries award Distinguished Service Medals.