Crossword Genius

Bravery award makes state mad (8,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

victoria cross

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'bravery award' is the definition.
'victoria cross' can be an answer for 'award' (Victoria Cross is an example). I'm not certain of the 'bravery' bit.

'state mad' is the wordplay.
'state' becomes 'victoria' (Victoria is an example).
'mad' becomes 'cross' (both can mean angry).
'victoria'+'cross'='VICTORIA CROSS'

'makes' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for victoria cross that I've seen before include "award" , "Highest British military decoration for gallantry" , "VC in full" , "heroic achievement" , "Military medal" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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