"The Albert medal was instituted in 1866 and was awarded for supreme gallantry not in the face of the enemy. In 1940, when King George VI introduced the George Cross and George Medal it ceased to be awarded. In 1971 surviving holders of the Albert Medal were allowed to exchange their medals for the George Cross. The first Albert Medal was awarded in 1878 and the last in 1939. [...] The heart of this publication is the story of Marine Albert Streams, who served from 1921 until he was killed on the beaches of Sicily in 1943 when he was MOA to the CO of 41 RM Commando. [...] the King personally presented him with his Albert Medal which he won when the Marines turret of HMS Devonshire blew up in 1929."-- Provided by the publisher. This publication also covers five other medallists and two other associated awards.