Departmental awards

Canadian Forces’ Unit Commendation

Context

The Canadian Forces’ Unit Commendation is a group award created to recognize distinguished service by a military unit.

Eligibility and 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.

Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service

Context

The Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service (CFMDS) is awarded by the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to recognize distinguished or outstanding service performed by persons other than active military personnel or by civilian groups.

Eligibility and Criteria

Awarded for service of a rare and exceptionally high standard, usually over a long period of time, which accrues great benefit to the CAF as a whole.

Command Commendation

Context

The Command Commendation is awarded to recognize deeds or activities beyond the demand of normal duty. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) grants the authority to specific commanders to award the Command Commendation. The CDS has directed that only commanders of an official command in accordance with the relevant Ministerial Organization Order, and reporting directly to the CDS, may be granted this authority.  The list of commanders who can currently award the Command Commendation is as follows:

Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation

Context

The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) Commendation is awarded by the Chief of the Defence Staff to recognize deeds or activities beyond the demand of normal duty.

Eligibility and Criteria

The CDS Commendation may be awarded to:

Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation

Context

The Commander-in-Chief (CinC) Unit Commendation may be awarded to any unit or sub-unit of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), or to any similar organization of a foreign armed force working with or in conjunction with the CAF, that has performed an extraordinary deed or activity of a rare high standard in extremely hazardous circumstances.

Canadian Korea Medal

Context

The Canadian Korea Medal is a Korean War medal. The medal was instituted in 1951, for service from 02 July 1950 to 27 July 1953.

Eligibility and Criteria

The Canadian Korea medal is awarded to Canadian military personnel for one day on the strength of an army unit in Korea; or 28 days afloat; or one sortie over Korea by a member of the RCAF, 02 July 1950 - 27 July 1953.