Military Medals & Awards from Canada
Canadian Military Medals & Awards from WW1, WW2 and More
Canada has several orders, decorations and medals, as the military history of the country comprises hundreds of years. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Canada was the site of four colonial wars and several conflicts between France and New England. Canada’s military was created after the Confederation. These forces joined their British counterparts in the Second Boer War and the First World War.
Canada’s links to Great Britain remained strong, and the Canadian supported the British during the Second World War. Since then, the country has been committed to multilateralism and has joined several multinational coalitions. Canadian awards are displayed in sequential order of precedence from left to right starting at the top with the Victoria Cross.
Popular Canadian Medals, Orders & Decorations
Explore the most renowned medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by Canada.
The Star of Military Valor (Canada)
The Star of Military Valor (SMV) is a decoration presented to members of the Canadian Forces for distinguished and valiant service.
The Order of Canada
The Order of Canada (CC) is a Canadian national order established in 1967 to recognize outstanding merit or distinguished service.
The Order of Merit (Canada)
The Order of Merit (OM) is a Canadian order bestowed as a personal gift of the Sovereign. The Order has a military and a civil division.
The Cross of Valour (Canada)
The Cross of Valour (CV) is a Canadian honor that recognizes acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril.
The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest United Kingdom honors system award. It is given for gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
The Canadian Government Awards System
If you’re looking to learn more about Canadian military medals and awards, it’s important to understand the Canadian Government Awards System. There are three types of awards: Official, semi-official, and unofficial. Official medals emanate from the Sovereign and can only be modified by Royal Warrant of Letters. Ribbons and non-neck-badge insignia are worn on the left breast and in an approved order. Semi-official medals have the approbation of the Sovereign. Lastly, unofficial medals are all other awards. None of them have an official status and should never be worn with official insignia.
Canadian Medals
From Before WW1
Before World War I, Canada awarded various medals to recognize military service, acts of valor, and contributions to the nation. Additionally, Canada awarded medals for long and meritorious service in the military and civilian awards, which existed to honor individuals who made significant contributions to Canadian society in fields such as public service, arts, and sciences.
Canadian Medals from
WW1 and the Interwar Period
During World War I and the interwar period, Canada awarded numerous medals to recognize military service, acts of valor, and contributions to the nation. These medals reflected Canada’s significant involvement in global conflicts and its commitment to honoring individuals who served with distinction. During the interwar period, Canada continued to award medals for military and civilian service, including decorations such as the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers’ Decoration and the Efficiency Decoration.
Canadian Medals
from the WW2 Period
Canadian Medals from
the Post-WW2 Period
