The RUC was established in 1922, 18 years before Britain's most prestigious civilian honour, the George Cross, was instituted. This is only the second time in the history of the award that it has been conferred collectively.
The medal honours present and past members of the force and pays tribute to their sacrifice. In the 30 years of the Troubles, 302 members of the RUC were killed and 9,000 were injured or disabled.
In the period from the formation of the RUC up to 1969, an additional 70 officers were killed in paramilitary-related conflict.
The George Cross was instituted during the second World War by King George VI. Fewer than 40 medals have been awarded since then.
This is only the second time that the medal has been conferred collectively. In 1942 the islanders of Malta won the medal for their bravery during the war.
"It is a humbling experience for me to acknowledge that, as in the case of the people of Malta, the collective courage and sacrifice of the men and women of the Royal Ulster Constabulary has been recognised in this most meaningful and public way by her majesty," said the RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, yesterday.
The medal is awarded "only for the acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger".
The medal consists of a plain silver cross. In its centre it has a design showing St George and the dragon, and around the design the inscription "For Gallantry".