Decorations for Bravery
Background
Decorations for Bravery recognize people who risked their lives to try to save or protect another. The Decorations were
created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1972. The Governor General personally presents the Decorations in ceremonies
held at Rideau Hall, in Ottawa, or at La Citadelle, in Québec City. They consist of the Cross of Valour, the Star
of Courage and the Medal of Bravery.
Cross of Valour
awarded for acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril
Star of Courage
awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril
Medal of Bravery
awarded for acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances
Eligibility
Anyone is free to propose the name of someone who has risked injury or death to attempt to rescue another person. The
incident need not have taken place in Canada, and the rescuer need not be Canadian, but Canadians or Canadian interests
must be involved. The incident must have occurred less than two years prior to the date of submission. The Decorations may
be awarded posthumously.
Cross of Valour
Post-nominal: C.V.
Recognizes: acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril
Description: is a gold cross of four equal limbs:
- the obverse of which is enamelled red and edged in gold with, superimposed in the centre, a gold maple leaf surrounded
by a gold wreath of laurel, and on the reverse of which the Royal Cipher (EIIR) and Crown and the inscription VALOUR
. VAILLANCE appear
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Star of Courage
Post-nominal: S.C.
Recognizes: acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril
Description: a silver star of four points with a maple leaf in each of the four angles:
- on the obverse of which, superimposed in the centre, is a gold maple leaf surrounded by a gold wreath of laurel,
and
- on the reverse of which, the Royal Cipher and Crown and the inscription COURAGE appear
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Medal of Bravery
Post-nominal: M.B.
Recognizes: acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances
Description: a circular silver medal:
- on the obverse of which is a maple leaf surrounded by a wreath of laurel, and
- on the reverse of which appear the Royal Cipher and Crown and the inscription BRAVERY.BRAVOURE
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Wearing: as prescribed in the protocol for Wearing of Orders, Decorations and Medals (http://www.gg.ca/honours/pdf/wearing_e.pdf)
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