CONTEXT
The Canadian Forces’ Unit Commendation is a group award created to recognize distinguished service by a military unit.
ELIGIBILITY & CRITERIA
Awarded to any formation, unit or sub-unit of the CF, or to any similar organization of a foreign armed force working with or in conjunction with the CF, that has performed a deed or activity considered beyond the demand of normal duty. It may be awarded to winners of competitions only under very exceptional circumstances.
Note that an extraordinary deed or activity of a rare high standard in extreme hazardous circumstances in a war or war-like situation in an active theatre of operations would not be recognized by this award but may be eligible for the Commander-in-Chief Commendation.
DESCRIPTION
The Commendation includes three elements:
- a framed, gold-embossed scroll, inscribed in both official languages with the name of the formation, unit or sub-unit concerned and an appropriate citation and bearing the signature of the Chief of the Defence Staff;
- a twelve-sided gold coloured medallion, 76 mm across the points, bearing on the obverse the superimposed symbols of the three services: the anchor, the crossed swords and the flying eagle, topped by the Royal Crown, the whole superimposed on four maple leaves within a raised circle, on the edge of the medallion appear, between branches of laurel leaves, the inscriptions “COMMENDATION” and “MENTION ÉLOGIEUSE”. The reverse displays a wreath of laurel and maple leaves around the perimeter leaving the center plain to allow the engraving of the unit’s name; and
- a special commemorative flag showing the superimposed symbols of the three services: the anchor, the crossed swords and the flying eagle, topped by the Royal Crown and surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves on a field (background) consisting of three horizontal and equal stripes of navy blue, red and light blue. The flag may be flown or openly displayed by recipient units as a public distinction for a period of one year from the date of the announcement of the award. Thereafter, the flag may be kept as an historical artefact and memento of the award.
BAR(S)
There is no bar to this award.
WEARING
This award is not intended to be worn.
POSTNOMINALS
The use of a post-nominal is not authorized for this award.
HISTORICAL NOTES
The Commendation was created by the Chief of the Defence Staff in November 1980.
Honours & Awards
