Wikipedia
The Hilal-i-Jur'at ( , as if it were Halāl-e-Jurāt; English: Crescent of Courage, sometimes spelled as Hilal-e-Jur'at, Hilal-e-Jurat, Hilal-i-Jurrat and Hilal-i-Juraat) is the second highest military award of Pakistan out of a total of four gallantry awards that were created in 1957. In order of rank it comes after the Nishan-i-Haider (the Sign of the Lion, which is the equivalent to the Victoria Cross and the Medal of Honor under the British Honours System and the United States Honors System respectively) coming before the Sitara-i-Ju'rat (the Star of Courage, which is the equivalent of the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star respectively).
It was created and declared for official use on 16 March 1957 by the President of Pakistan. The Hilal-i-Ju'rat is considered to be the equivalent of the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross and the Distinguished Service Cross. The medal is only conferable to those who are ranked at an Officer level only and it is only allowed to be given to the Army (excluding paramilitary personnel), Navy and Air-force. The award after this honour is the Sitara-i-Ju'rat (Star of Courage), and subsequent to this medal is the Tamgha-i-Ju'rat (Medal of Courage).
Unlike the Nishan-i-Haider, the Hilal-i-Ju'rat is the highest military award thus far that's been given to living Pakistanis to date. The medallion has been given to many famous Pakistani army personal, including many national heroes. Most notably, well known major generals, brigadiers and lieutenants of the Pakistan Armed Forces have all received the medal.
The award holds significant benefits for the recipient including social, political and financial benefits. Land and pensions are awarded as recompense for serving in the Army of Pakistan on behalf of the State for acts of "valour and courage" during battle against the enemy. As of 2003 it was revealed that cash rewards have replaced land being given to the recipient under new defence housing schemes, which had taken place for the duration of the past twelve years perpetrated by the army, which was accounted to the Pakistan National Assembly as reported in the last decade.