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Medals and decorations

Table of contents

How do I replace a lost Medal?

Veterans Affairs Canada is responsible for first issue or replacement medals for those who served in the Second World War, Merchant Navy and the Korean War.

Helpful Tips When Applying for Medals:

  • If you are looking for first issue or replacement medals for the Second World War, Merchant Navy or Korean War, please contact us at 1-866-522-2122.
  • If you are looking for first issue or replacement medals for service post Korean War (Canadian Forces Decorations, United Nations Medal for Emergency Force, Egypt, Peace Keeping Medal, or the Special Service Medal, etc.), please contact the Canadian Armed Forces at 1-877-741-8332.
  • If you are eligible to the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal for Korea, you must contact the Chancellery of Honours at 1-800-465-6890.

Please contact us or download, print and complete the appropriate form below and mail it to the Honours and Awards directorate at the address indicated on the form.

Can I wear my relative’s medals?

Medals may only be worn by the Veteran. It is a criminal offense to wear military medals that someone else has earned.

In what order should medals be mounted?

Information can be found in the section on mounting and wearing of campaign stars and medals.

How much does it cost to replace lost medals?

There is no charge for replacement medals for the Veteran to whom they were awarded or their surviving partner. However, for eligible next of kin, there is a fee for replacement medals. The fee for each medal varies.

I need new ribbons. Where can I obtain new ones?

Veterans Affairs Canada provides Veterans and their families with new ribbons at no cost. We will require the name of each medal in order to identify which ribbons are needed. Please contact us for more information.

I need a new mounting bar. Where can I obtain one?

Veterans Affairs Canada can provide new mounting bars at no cost. We have one to five medal bars available. Please contact us for more information.

Why are medals from the Second World War not engraved with the soldier’s information?

The eight campaign stars and two general service medals awarded for service in the Second World War were issued unnamed by England and Canada after the criteria for the medals were finalized in 1948. In accordance with the criteria, the medals were not engraved with the details of military personnel. This criterion is still followed today.

How do I apply for the Radar Mechanics Certificate?

If you served in the RCAF and were a Radar Mechanic attached to the RAF during the Second World War, a certificate of appreciation from the British Air Ministry of Defence is available. Please contact us for more information. Family members of a deceased Veteran can also apply. Please note that only one certificate per Radar Mechanic can be issued.

I served in the Second World War and I lost my discharge button. Can I get another one?

Yes. Please contact us and a replacement discharge button and certificate will be sent after a review of your service documents.

Where can I get a replacement of my Operational Wings?

Operational Wings are available from the Canadian Armed Forces. Please note that they may only replace lost or stolen wings that were already approved prior to or by 31 March 1946. If approval for the operational wings is not in the service member’s file, the wings cannot be issued.

Where can I purchase a replacement cap, hat or air gunner badges, etc.?

Badges and insignias are available from a military outfitter.

I want to have my medals mounted and cleaned. Is this service available?

Veterans Affairs Canada does not provide this service. Please contact a military outfitter in your area.

What is the Bomber Command Bar?

The Bomber Command Bar is awarded to Canadian Veterans who earned the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and served a minimum of one day with Bomber Command during the Second World War.

Bomber Command Bar applications can be submitted online or by submitting a paper application to the Honours and Awards Section of Veterans Affairs Canada:

Veterans Affairs Canada
Honours and Awards Section
Ottawa ON K1A 0P4

More information on the Bomber Command Bar can be found here.

Are Canadian Veterans eligible to apply for the United Kingdom Bomber Command Clasp?

Canadian Honours and Awards policy indicates that “awards are made on the understanding that individuals do not receive a similar award from their own or any other Allied government.”

As the Bomber Command Bar is being issued by the Government of Canada, Canadian Veterans are not eligible to receive the UK Bomber Command Clasp to the 1939-45 Star, as this would be a direct duplication of a Canadian honour.

Arctic Star - How can I apply?

The Arctic Star is intended to recognize the particular severity of the conditions experienced by those who served in the Arctic during the Second World War. Eligible Canadian Veterans and next-of-kin can apply for the Arctic Star by submitting the required application.

For your application, you will need to provide the following information:

  • service number
  • branch of service
  • theatre of service
  • full name
  • date of birth
  • your current name and address

Please contact us or download, print and complete the appropriate form below and mail it to the Honours and Awards directorate at the address indicated on the form.

 
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