country_of_citizenship john simpson 
The Victoria Cross ( VC ) is the highest award of the ___MASK96___ honours system . It is awarded for gallantry " in the face of the enemy " to members of the ___MASK65___ armed forces . It may be awarded posthumously . It was previously awarded to Commonwealth countries , most of which have established their own honours systems and no longer recommend ___MASK65___ honours . It may be awarded to a person of any military rank in any service and to civilians under military command although no civilian has received the award since 1879 . Since the first awards were presented by Queen Victoria in 1857 , two thirds of all awards have been personally presented by the ___MASK65___ monarch . These investitures are usually held at Buckingham Palace . Buckingham Palace is the ___MASK32___ residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch of the ___MASK96___ . Located in the City of Westminster , the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality . It has been a focal point for the ___MASK65___ people at times of national rejoicing and mourning . Major John Simpson VC ( 29 January 1826 -- 27 October 1884 ) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross , the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to ___MASK65___ and Commonwealth forces . Simpson , 32 years old , was a quartermaster - sergeant in the 42nd Regiment of Foot , ___MASK65___ Army , later the Black Watch ( Royal Highlanders ) , during the Indian Mutiny on 15 April 1858 . During the attack on Fort Ruhya , ___MASK65___ India , Simpson volunteered to go to an exposed point within 40 yards ( 37 m ) of the parapet of the fort under heavy fire and carried back a lieutenant and a private , both of whom were seriously wounded . Simpson was later commissioned as a quartermaster and in 1878 he transferred to the Militia . In 1881 he was granted the honorary rank of Captain and in 1883 he was promoted Major . His grave and memorial are at Balbeggie Churchyard , St . Martin ' s , near Perth , Scotland . His medal is on display in the United States at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County , in Los Angeles . Victoria ( Alexandrina Victoria ; 24 May 1819  22 January 1901 ) was Queen of the ___MASK72___ from 20 June 1837 until her death . From 1 May 1876 , she adopted the additional title of Empress of India .