Service Medal

Canadian Forces’ Decoration (CD)

Context

The Canadian Forces’ Decoration is awarded to officers and Non-Commissioned Members of the Canadian Forces who have completed twelve years of service. The decoration is awarded to all ranks, who have a good record of conduct.

European Security and Defence Policy Service Medal (ESDP)

Context

The European Union (EU) established this medal on 1 January 2003 to provide recognition to those who serve in EU-led crisis management operations.

Eligibility and Criteria

Awarded to military and civilian personnel who have served 30 consecutive days either in the area of operations of a designated EU-led crisis management operations or in a EU HQ in designated positions in direct support of such operations.

The medal is always awarded with a bar to denote the mission for which it has been awarded.

UN Headquarters Medal (UNHQ)

Context

From time to time countries may provide, on a secondment basis, staff trained, military officers to serve in staff positions at United Nations Headquarters in New York to assist with the planning and implementation of new missions.

Eligibility and Criteria

Awarded for 90 days consecutive service between 20 June 1979 to the present.

Description

A circular bronze alloy medal, 1.4 inches (35mm) in diameter.

On the obverse, the representation of the UN symbol surmounted by the straight letters UN, both in bas-relief.

UN Special Service Medal (UNSSM)

Context

This medal was established in June 1995 to recognize those personnel serving the United Nations in capacities other than established peace-keeping missions and United Nations Headquarters.

Eligibility and Criteria

This medal is awarded for 90 days consecutive service for the following UN missions:

Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (CPSM)

Context

The prestigious Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to all United Nations Peacekeepers in 1988 in recognition of their collective efforts in the cause of peace. This inspired the creation of the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (CPSM) to acknowledge the unique contribution to peace that Canadian peacekeepers have made since 1947.

Eligibility and Criteria

Awarded for a minimum of 30 days cumulative service in a UN or international peacekeeping mission.

Special Service Medal (SSM)

Context

The Special Service Medal (SSM) was created to recognize members of the Canadian Forces who are taking part in activities and operations under exceptional circumstances.

Air Efficiency Award

Context

This Second World War award was superseded by the Canadian Forces Decoration.

Eligibility and Criteria

This award was given after 10 years of service for those serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Auxiliary and the Auxiliary Active Air Force, with the ranks including, all officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and airmen. Service must have commenced between, 17 August 1942 and 17 August 1952.

Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

Context

This long service and good conduct medal was awarded for 12 years of service in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR).

Eligibility and Criteria

This medal was awarded with a maximum number of good conduct badges, to Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officers and non-commissioned members. After 01 January 1946 it was awarded for service in the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve (RCNR). The dates were 1938 to 01 September 1951 to those who joined the RCNVR before 01 September 1939.

Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve Officers' Decoration (VRD)

Context

This long service decoration is for 20 years of service as a commissioned officers in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve.

Eligibility and Criteria

Awarded for service by commissioned officers in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR), and the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve (RCNR) after 01 January 1946. The dates were 1938 to 01 September 1959 for those enlisting before 01 September 1939.