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The Decorations for Bravery, consisting of the Cross of Valour, the Star of Courage and the Medal of Bravery, were created in 1972 to honour those who have risked their lives to save or protect others. They may be awarded to Canadian citizens or to non-Canadians who have performed an act of bravery in Canada, or outside Canada if the act was in Canada's interest. The Decorations for Bravery may be awarded posthumously.
The Cross of Valour is awarded for acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril.
The Star of Courage is awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril.
The Medal of Bravery is awarded for acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances. Each of the Decorations has the corresponding post-nominal letters: C.V., S.C. and M.B., respectively.
Anyone may propose the name of a person whose actions are thought to deserve recognition by writing to The Chancellery, Government House, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A1. The Chancellery, a branch of the Office of the Governor General, is responsible for the administration of honours. The nominator should provide a brief outline of the incident, the names of those involved and the place and date when it occurred. Consideration is given only to incidents that have occurred less than two years prior to the date of the submission. Each case that appears to meet the established criteria is investigated. The Chancellery then gathers all available information and presents the case to the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee.
Awards are made by the Governor General on the advice of the Committee. The name and a description of the act of bravery of each recipient are published in the Canada Gazette.
The Cross of Valour consists of a gold cross of four equal limbs. The Star of Courage consists of a silver star of four points with a maple leaf in each of the four angles. On the obverse of both appear a gold maple leaf surrounded by a gold laurel wreath. The Medal of Bravery consists of a circular silver medal with a maple leaf surrounded by a laurel wreath on the obverse. On the reverse of each appear the Royal Cipher and Crown and the words, VALOUR-VAILLANCE, COURAGE and BRAVERY-BRAVOURE, respectively.
The Decorations for Bravery are part of the Canadian Honours System, established in 1967.
(November 1993)
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